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eight , and constitute a first series of the undertaking , after which , however , there will still remain a large number of subjects , albeit onlvindireclb'connected with this country , which will supnly the materials for a second , third , and fourth seriesof the same class of work . I shall now proceed with a short paper , in which I shall reduce theory to practice , and enable you to test the soundness of my

conclusions by an experimental essay , dealing with what is actually known of Freemasonry in England before the era of Grand Lodges , of which the first or mother of Grand Lodges was the Grand Lodge of England , established in London in 1717 . Before , however , I commence to read it , let me give just a word of explanation as to the circumstances under which it has been prepared . At our last

meeting I ventilated some of the ideas to which I have given fuller expression in this address , but I had no intention of reading a paper . Indeed , on the contrary , having already read one , I hoped that every member of the lodge would do the same thing before my turn came round again . Bro . W . H . Rylands held out some hope of being able to read the paper for this evening , and it was with a very

painful feeling of disappointment thai I found he was subsequently prevented by various causes from doing so . Our worthy and untiring Secretary then wrote to me saying , to use his own words , that he was "in a real fix . " The other papers that were available for reading in lodge were too long for an installation meeting . He then reminded me of the idea I had , as it were , thrown out at the previous

meeting , and furnished me with a syllabus of the kind of paper which he wished me to prepare . This , brethren , is in effect my apology for being the lecturer this evening , as I think the more new voices we hear on these occasions the better , and I should be sorry for the members of this lodge to believe for an instant that they had placed a brother in the chair , who wished to claim a monopoly of those special

duties which can only be pleasantly and satisfactorily exercised by being apportioned equally among us all . The W . M ., Bro . R . F . Gould , read a paper , entitled "English Freemasonry before the eia of Grand Lodges ( 1717 ) . " The paper W 3 s commented on by Bro Woodford ; the rest of the brethren refrained from criticism in view of the large quantity of business still to be transacted . A

hearty vote of thanks was passed to the lecturer . The following list of presentations to the lodge library was announced , viz ., From the Editors , current numbers of the Toronto Freemason and "Latomia ; " from Bro . Beck , of Dresden , current numbers of "Die Bauhiitte" and " Jahrbuch des Lessines-bundes , 1 SS 4 and 1 SS 6 ; " from Bro . Whytehead , " L'Ordre des Francs-macons trahi et le

Secret des Mopses , 1745 ; " from the Authors , "Pujahs in the Sutlej Valley" ar . d "Architecture in the Himalayas , " by Bio . Simpson ; " Rosicrucian Thoughts on the Everburning Lamps of the Ancients , " " Commentary on the Ten Sephiroth , " "Sepher Zetzziah , " and "The Isiac Tablet , " by Bro . Dr . W . Wynn Westcott ; "The History of Freemasonry in the City

of Durham , " by Bro . Wm . Logan ; "Tratado Practico de Aritmetica Merrantil , " by Jose Mayner y Ros ; " Whytehead ' s Poetical Remains , " by Bro . T . B . Whytehead ; " History of Freemasonry in Sussex , " by Bro . T . Francis : "History of the Minerva Chapter , No . 250 , Hull , " by Bro . M . C . Peck ; "The Two Systems , "by Bro John Haigh ; "The Masonic Directory for New Zealand ,

iSStj , " by Bro . Geo . Robertson ; "Die ersten Jahre der Grossloge von England " ( 2 parts ) , " Das Sloane MS ., No . 3329 , " and " Sttidien uber den Meistergrad , " by Bro . F . K . Schwalbach ; " Einige Betrachtungen liber das Verhalten Londoner Gross Loge zer den alten Ueberlieferungen der Werkmaurer , " by Bro . Dr . W . Begemann , Rostock ; " Record of a Year ' s Work , & c , Lodge Prudence , 2069 , " by Bro . C . L . Mason ; from Bro . M . C . Peck , " A

Short History of the Prov . Grand Lodge of North and East Ridings of Yorkshire , " by Bro . J . P . Bell ; "Ceremonial of the York Jubilee Meeting , 14 th July , 1 SS 7 , " a sermon preached at Jubilee Meeting , York by Bro . the Dean , Form of serviceat Jubilee Meeting , Yoik , Rulesof North and East Yorkshire Educational Fund , and Medal of York Jubilee Meeting , 14 th July , 1 SS 7 ; from Bro . A . E . Austen ,

"Proceedings of District Grand Lodge of South Africa ( East Division ) , June 15 th , 1 SS 7 ; " from Bro . J . Hai gh , "History of Corinthian Lodge , Concord , Mass ., " by Bro . L . A . Surette ; "Proceedings of the Supreme Council , 33 , for America and Dependencies fcr 1 SS 6 , " "Information for Members of the Scottish Rite for America and Dependencies , " and "An Address delivered

before the Grand Consistory of Minnesota , 12 th November , 1 SS 5 ; " from Bro . H . Whymper , " Schluessel der Chemistischen Philosophy , Strassburg , 1602 ; from Bro . H . Sadler , " Masonic Facts and Fictions ; " and from Mr . Wyatt Papworth " Arch tectural Drawing in the Middle Ages , " and "Notes on the Superintendents of English Buildings in the Middle Ages . "

The following 31 bodies and brethren were admitted members of the Correspondence Circle : Coombe Library , Cornubian Lodge , 450 ; Agricola Lodge , 1991 , York ; Masonic Hall Library , Leicester ; Wellington Lodge , 1 5 , New Zealand ; Phcenix Lodge of Honour and Prudence , 331 , Truro ; Carnarvon Lodge , S 04 , Havant ; Prudence Lodge , 2069 , Leeds : Bros . S . Russell Forbes , Rome ; W .

Henderson , Hebron , Griqualand West ; F . W . Thomas , Camborne , Cornwall ; VV . W . Morgan , J . R . Menzies Thomson , York , Western Australia ; John Haigh , Somerville , Massachusetts ; C . P . Cooper , Dundalk ; S . G . Kirchhoffer , P . P . S . G . W . Surrey ; S . Saunders , Whitstable ; VV . Horron , Yeovil , P . P . G . Purst . Hants ; E . B . Down , Shaftesbury ; G . Rackstrow Crickmay , Weymouth , P . P .

S . G . W . Dorset ; J . E . Green , Cradock , the Cape , D . S . G . W . South Africa , E . Division ; John Bodenham . Newport , P . A . G . D . C . Fng ., & c . ; Jacob Norton , Boston , I ' . S . A . j F . A . Powell , Prov . G . S . of W . Monmouthshire ; J . Dickson , Upper Tooting ; J . L . Atherton , Bradford , P . P . G D . C . VV . Ycrks ; C . Fendelow , Wolverhampton , G . Std . Br . ; Dr . Richard Morris , Head Master R . M . I . B . ;

George Kenning , Proprietor of the Freemason ; J . S . Cumberland , P . P . J . G . W . North and East Yorks ; and H . Lovegrove . This brings the total number of the Correspondence Circle to 155 . The death , on the 17 th July last , of Bro . E . T . Budden , who had joined the lodge on the 2 nd June previously , was

announced . The Secretary was instructed to write a letter to his son , Bro . F . Budden , expressing the grief and cmdn ' Trp of the brethren . Bro . H . J . Whymper , P . D . D . G . M . Punjaub , was proposed as a joining member . The Secretary announced that Bro . Whymper had generously placed at his disposal the litho stones which he had had prepared of the " Masonic Poem , " thus saving the lodge a

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considerable sum of money on their first volume of reprints now preparing . The thanks of the lodge were voted to Bro . Whymper , and it having been ascertained that his copy of Bro . Gould ' s "History of Freemasonry" was short of the last volume , the Secretary was instructed to ask his acceptance thereof from the lodge as a token of

their appreciation of his fraternal generosity . Letters of apology for non-attendance were announced from Bros . W . J . Hughan , John Lane , Major Irwin , Dr . Crawley , T . B . Whytehead , J . Todd , S . R . Baslcett , A . Jordan , Dr . Begemann , R . C . Beck , T . W . Lemon , C . Fendelow , H . Riddiford , Col . Mead , C . Kupferschmidt , W . Simpson , H . Sadler , H . Whymper , and others .

The brethren then adjourned to Freemasons' Tavern , where a modest but sufficient repast was provided . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts having been honoured , Bro . Gould , W . M ., in proposing "The Grand Officers , " said this was a subject upon which he could say much were it not for the fact that he was one of that body himself . They had a great many Grand Officers in the lodge and in

the correspondence circle , and they were all pleased that the W . M ., for the time being , was honoured by receiving Jubilee honours . He should have asked that distinguished brother to respond , but he was going to ask him to reply for a special toast . He mentioned on a former occasion that they were pleased to have members who were similarly honoured in the matter of Jubilee honours . There were

several Grand Officers present , including Bro . Woodford , who was a very old Grand Officer , Bro . Sir Charles Warren , Bros . Dr . Woodman and Hogard , and Bro . Bywatcr . They all knew that the rule differed as to whose name should be coupled with the toast , and he was a little inclined to depart from the general rule and couple the name of Bro . Bywater , who was actually performing the duties of

G . Swd . Br . at the present time . Bro . Bywater , on behalf of the Grand Officers , returned hearty thanks for the very kind manner in which they had taken notice of that body . It was the delight of the Grand Officers to discharge faithfully every duty that devolved upon them , and they were gratified to receive the kindly feelings of the Craft as their reward .

Bro . R . F . Gould , W . M . I now come to the toast of the evening , and I therefore have asked the brethren to charge in the usual formal manner . The toast I have to propose is that of " The Immediate Past Master , Bro . Sir Charles Warren . " In considering the most suitable manner in which I should bring this toast before you , I was powerfully affected by thinking of the manner in which I should like

to hear it myself . You would like me to tell you all I could gather together in order to show you what measure of a man we have had to rule us . Our worthy and distinguished brother entered the army as Lieutenant Royal Engineers , in 1 S 57 , and before 10 years we find he was conducting an exploration in Palestine , and excavations in Jerusalem . In connection with that , I will read one extract

from "Our work in Palestine , 1 S 75 , that will show you what was thought of the manner in which the duties were conducted . "Let us finally bear witness to the untiring perseverance , courage , and ability of Captain Warren . Those of us who knew best under what difficulties he had to work , can tell with what courage and patience they were met and overcome . Physical suffering and long endurance

of heat , cold , and danger were nothing . So long as an interest in the modern history of Jerusalem remains , so long as people are concerned to know how sacred sites have been found out , so long will the name of Captain Warren survive . " In connection with that work Captain Warren brought out two books , " Underground Jerusalem , " and " The Temple and the Tomb , " both of which give a deal of instruction and information to biblical scholars . The

next we hear of him in the public world was in 1 S 76 , when he was especially selected to settle and arrange the boundary lines of the Orange Free State . In the following year he was appointed to settle the land law of Griqualand , and with what tact , discrimination , and zeal he discharged that important duty they were all aware . The work of Bro . Warren , however , consisted of other things besides

civil duties , for when the Kaffir war broke out he commanded the Diamond Field Horse , and his conspicuous bravery and boldness , and rapidity in action were frequently brought before the notice of the authorities . A few years later , in 1 S 79 , peace was restored , and he was selected to rule that turbulent region which he had so successfully reduced to order . Those difficult duties he continued to

discharge for two years , until ! the home Government recalled him . He had by this time so endeared himself to all with whom he had been connected , that when he left the Cape they severely felt his loss , and it was mentioned at the time as a public calamity . He came back to England , and we hear of him in the Egyptian war , when he commanded a perilous mi :-sion , and succeeded in bringing to justice the

murderers of Professor Palmer and others who were put to death by the Arabs . In 1 SS 4 he volunteered to proceed by way of Abyssinia and visit Khartoum to ascertain news of Gordon , but his offer was not accepted , and he was induced to enter into another important enterprise—the foundation of this Iodge . I may be asked on what grounds did we judge of him to fill that position of the first W . M . Whether

we regarded him as a man of letters , and as a great and brilliant writer , or whether we considered his sterling qualities , and his resolute and daring character , I think we feel that his election has reflected honour on our choice . It may be said that "there ' s many a slip 'twixt the cup and the lip , " and he was sent to the Cape before we could get to work . There is just one other feature . When Sir

Charles Warren went to the Cape for the second time , he went with a considerable reputation , and it was quite equal to the further demands made upon it . His great energy and the excellent arrangements he made , combined with the celerity of his movements , quite overcame those to whom he was opposed . The enemy knew their man , and were aware of his military skill , so that there was no

appeal to arms , and his object was attained without bloodshed . All that 1 have said proves that no commander of an expedition could have fulfilled the mission better , but if he had been a little inferior to what he really was his reward would probably have been far greater . Instead of meeting with the reward he merited , the authorities fell into the old rule , and he returned to his duties

as Colonel in the Engineers . We were then enabled to start the lodge , although immediately afterwards he had been sent to Suakin and had returned to us safe and sound . Since then he has been a regular attendant at our meetings , when the affairs connected with his public duties permitted him , and he has found time amongst his many engagements to read before us one of

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the most brilliant papers that adorns our transactions . He has been at all times a very enthusiastic Freemason , and when he was in South Africa , this was acknowledged b y a lodge being formed and called after him , meeting in Gri qualand . There is just one thing more I wish to say . I wish to sum up in a few words the estimation in which he is held by us ail . I was reading a short account of Sir

Philip Sydney , and I shall put it to you that what was said of him in the sixteenth century can be said ot Sir Charles Warren . " He seemed born on purpose for whatever he was about . " Whether in Palestine , South Alrica , in the Nile Desert , or in this lodge , he has always shown the same fertility of resource , and has adapted himself to the many phases of his remarkable career . Bro . Sir Charles

Warren , it is now my pleasing duty to present you with a number of books which have been written by members of the lodge , or brethren belonging to the correspondence circle . The method we have taken of acknowledging the great services you have rendered , we heartily trust may be as pleasing to you as it is to us . We hope they will remind you of the brethren who wrote them , and that they will convey to you , mutely but forcibly , that the hands by which they

were written are always ready to grasp your own whenever you can afford us the privilege of being with us in the lodge . The Tyler here approached the table with a number of elegantly bound books , on a silver tray . The 26 volumes had been contributed by the respective Authors , for the purpose of the presentation , and were all on Masonic architectural and archaeological subjects . The collection consisted of 40 distinct works , representing 23 Authors , all of whom are members of the lodge and of its correspondence circle .

The following is a list of the authors and works : —Jno . Lane , " Masonic Records 1717-1 SS 6 ; " J . Ramsden Riley , "The Yorkshire Lodges ; " VV . Simpson , " Pujahs in the Sutlej Valley , " and "Architecture in the Himalayas , " in one vol . ; Harold Lewis , " Beginnings of the Bath Newspaper Press , " and "History of the Bristol Mercury , " in one vol ., and "The Church Rambler , " in two vols . ;

Professor T . Hayter Lewis , "Color and coloured decorations , " " Notes made during tours in Greece , " and " Notes on Ancient and Modern Egypt , " in one vol . ; Jno . Chapman , " The Great Pyramid and Freemasonry ; " T . Francis , " History of Freemasonry in the Province of Sussex ; " VV . J . Hughan , " Origin of the English Rite of Freemasonry ; " Wm . Logan , " History of Freemasonry in the City of

Durham ; " G . P . Brockbank , "History of St . John ' s Lodge , No . 221 , Bolton ; " Dr . W . Wynn Westcott , " Rosicrucian thoughts on the ever-burning Lamps of the Ancients ; " James Newton , " History of Royal Arch Chapter of Concord , No . 37 , Bolton ; " T . B . Whytehead , "Some Ancient York Masons and their early Haunts ; " W . Kelly , " History of Freemasonry in the Province of

Leicester and Rutland , " " Records of the Corporation of the Borough of Leicester , " in one vol ,, and "Notices illustrative of the Drama in Leicester ; " W . M . Bywater , " Notes on Laurence Dermott , G . S ., and his work ; " VV . Watson , " Masonic Career of the Rev . Thomas Cartwright Smyth j " G . W . Speth , " History of the Lodge of Unity , No . 1 S 3 , London ; " J . Todd , " History , & c , of the York

Lodge , No . 23 C ; " R . F . Gould , "The Atholl Lodges ;" Rev . A . F . A . Woodford , " Encyclopaedia of Freemasonry ; " C . P . MacCalla , " Dr . Franklin ' s Newspaper Accounts of Freemasonry , 1730-1750 ; " H . Sadler , "Masonic Facts and Fictions ; " and VV . H . Rylands , " Freemasonry in the XVII Century in Warrington , ditto in Chester , " " Freemasons Tomb , " "Early use of word Freemason , " and other papers , in all , eleven in one volume .

Bro . SirChas . Warren , G . C . M . G . —I am going to ask to be allowed to claim your indulgence , for 1 have had a good many difficulties to contend with in the last few days , and have been a good deal harassed on your behalf in securing the safety of the Metropolis . In doing this , I have not had time to turn my attention to the subject of this lodge , and am not , therefore , enabled to reply in a

manner suitable to the occasion . It is an occasion on which I feel most deeply . 1 feel what the W . Master has said , and I also feel the good wishes of the members and visiting brethren very much . I am quite unable to find words to express what I feel . I could not help being somewhat tickled with regard to something the W . Master said concerning my eventful career . At the present time , working

at a critical time of your history , 1 am endeavouring to keep peace in the Metropolis , but my position you must remember is precarious , for as I have been twice turned out and recalled by a paternal government , so I may possibly be turned out again . I can assure you that as a Mason I endeavour to do my duty and ask no man's favour . With regard to the work I have done in this lodge , 1 feel

that it is extremely minute . There is only one point on which I take credit to myself , and that is 1 think 1 know how to let well alone , and I do not meddle with what I see being- done well . 1 have seen the work in such excellent hands , that I have thought there was no occasion for me to interfere . We had the great experience of the present VV . Master and of the officers of the lodge , and we had the

wonderful assistance of our brother Secretary . All those who know our Secretary must know the immense amount of good work he performs , and the result it will produce for Masonry , and I feel myself indebted to him for the way in which he has carried the matter through and relieved me of work . Bro . Speth has not only relieved me , but has actually brought credit to my name , which should really

stand to his own . I must take this opportunity of saying I feel myself gratified to think that the lodge at the present time is in the hands of the present W . M . I do not know anybody who is so suitable for the chair of this lodge , and I must congratulate you on having Bro . Gould as your W . Master . 1 was initiated in Gibraltar , and can assure you that there Bro . Gould ' s name was a househo d word , and

we looked up to him in 1 S 58 as a man of considerable reputation , and it is therefore the greatest gratification to tne to find him presiding at this table . I can only say with regard to the books that 1 shall endeavour to read them with the utmost diligence . I have been a diligent Mason in the past , and have endeavoured to learn something , but I know the great amount of work necessary to know more than a of

smattering of the subject . There is a certain amount irony in giving me these books in order that I may learn something , and 1 feel my insufficiency . 1 think , however , 1 know something about the Temple of Jerusalem , but I know very little of modern Masonry , and shall be p leased to study the subject . I feel much the kind thoughts of the brethren who have given me these books , and whenever » take up one of them , I shall remember it belonged to a