Ladies' Banquet And Hall Of The Confidence Lodge, No. 193.

The loyal and Masonic toasts of " The Queen and the Craft" and " His Royal Highness , the M . W . G . M ., " were duly given , but of necessity without the usual Masonic honours . Following these , and interspersed with songs , recitations , and music , underthe direction of Bro . E . H . Lough , who also gave a very humorous musical sketch , "The Silver Wedding , " which was received with great applause , " The Health of the W . M . " was proposed by Bro . J . HART , P . M ., and responded to in appropriate

terms . In proposing " The Ladies , " Bro . WALTKR WOOD , P . M . and Sec . of the lodge , expressed the pleasure felt by all the Masons present in welcoming their fair sisters . He hoped that the large number of ladies present would be increased on a future occasion . " The Visitors " was ably responded to by Bro . HARCOURT WKST , who also gave a very excellent recitation , receiving great applause .

The toast of The Oilicers and Stewards , ' brought the duties of the banquet room to a close . The songs of Mrs . R . M . Owen , Mrs . E . H . Lough , and Mr . Wynne Griffiths ( in character ) , deserve special comment . Miss Daisy Smith , Medallist R . A . M ., also contributed a pianoforte solo , by Padcrewski , which was well received , although the instrument was not up to a favourable display of the accomplishments of this talented young lady .

Shortly before to dancing commenced and was kept up without interruption until well into the small hours of the morning to the excellent music of Bro . Amie King ' s band , and under thc direction of Bros . J . Simeons , and J . C . Turner , the most energetic , courteous , and efficient M . Cs . Amongst those present were Bro . Plowright , S . W ., and Mrs . Plowright ; Bro . Kington , J . W ., and party ; Bro . Pennock , S . D . ; Bro . Spice , J . D ., and Miss Spice ; Bro . Simeons , Mrs . Buick , Bro . Gilmour , Bro . Bushell , and Mrs . Bushel !; Bro .

and Mrs . Rawson ; Bro . and Mrs . Reed ; Bro . J . E . Fells , P . M . ; Bro . S . W . Fells , Bro . A . Jay , and large party ; Bro . Nightingale , P . M . ; Bro . J . Hart , P . M ., Mrs . Hart , and party ; Bro . Wood , P . M . ; Mrs . and Miss Earp , and Miss Fisher ; Bro . Smith , P . M ., Mrs . and Miss Daisy Smith ; Bro . Lewis Lake , Bro . and Mrs . Roberts ; Bro . and Mrs . Magness ; Bro . Solomon , Bro . Karris , and party ; Bro . King , and party ; Bro . and Mrs . Jacobs ; Bro . and Mrs . Wright , and others . A most enjoyable evening was spent by all , and at the close wishes were universally expressscd for a speedy return of the fifth annual .

The Solomonic Myth.

THE SOLOMONIC MYTH .

In the January number of the Guide we stated our reasons for disbelieving that King Solomon was a Freemason . There is no historical evidence that he ever saw the inside of a lodge , as a member thereof , and to think that he presided over the Craft as titular Most Excellent Grand Master is too great a task even for human credulity .

But we cannot rest here . If there is anyone thing that impresses the student of modern FYeemasonry ( really the only kind of FYeemasonry that deserves serious attention , except as one may be concerned in tracing its origin and growth ) it is the large measure of importance given to King

Solomon . Granting that he was the greatest Mason of his time , it is easy to see why he should be so exalted now . But to deny him membership is to throw upon one the necessity of explaining why modern Masons accord him such high honours .

To us King Solomon typifies that great principle of wisdom without which no earthly or heavenly plan can mature . Wisdom , strength , and beauty , to conceive , lo execute , to adorn . King Solomon has been seized upon as the wisest of mankind , and made

to stand sponsor for Freemasonry , and this out of deference to the Oriental conception of wisdom . This conception is altogether foreign to our occidental and modern habits of thought , and is based , for the most part , on witty and soul searching epigrams . The proverb maker has always been yiven high rank for wisdom by Eastern peoples .

No doubt proverbs arc hard to make , and , after making , s * . ill harder lo get into circulation . If any of our readers question this , let them turn to and make a few good proverbs , some that will stand the wear and tear of centuries of use , and yet be fresh and applicable . Wc would not detract one

jot from the reputation that is enjoyed by King Solomon for wisdom , albeit it is of a different sort from what is needed now . Whether he manufactured the Book of Proverbs himself , or compiled it , is not lo our present purpose .

Suffice it to say that we accept the universal verdict of his wisdom , based , though it be , on insufficient evidence . It is the only working hypothesis by which his position in modern FVeemasonry can be satisfactorily explained . If he does not stand for Wisdom , he stands for nothing . As a Mason he has no veritable existence ; as a type of Wisdom he embodies one of the greatest principles lhat can affect human life .

Now , we beg our readers to observe that in the first two Degrees King Solomon plays a very minor part . Hc appears upon thc stage it is true , but lie is not the chief actor . We catch a glimpse of him now and then , but he eludes our observation , and soon retires behind the scenes . It is only in the fhird Degree that he is the central figure . It is in this Degree that the

great drama of human life draws to its close . As Entered Apprentice and Fellow Craft wc nave borne the heat and burden of life , subduing our passions , acting upon the square , keeping a tongue of good report and practising Charity . We have faithfully endeavoured to follow thc rules laid

down upon the trestle board ; we have made suitable proficiency in the tasks imposed upon us ; we have lived as true and upright men and Masons , and come now to learn the greatest lesson of all—how to prepare for the end of ' ' > It is , therefore , most appropriate that hc who represents human wisdom should become the central figure of the drama . I he greatest wisdom that men can display is to recognise that after death 15 life , after darkness is life , after earth is heaven .

The Solomonic Myth.

What more beautiful symbolism can there be than this ? Earthl y wisdom is lo prepare for heaven . Step by step ( h ; initiate is led along , oftentimes in obscurity and doubt , trusting his guide , and meditating upon things that are new and strange to him , until finall y he is brought to know that human life were vain and empty without the confident hope and expectation of a glorious immortality .

Solomon as a Freemason is a myth , pure and simple , hut as a type ot wisdom he serves a most useful purpose . If we regard all the parts of that superb drama as actual facts , and lose sight of the precious truths that underlie it , we lose lhat vital grasp upon Freemasonry which alone can compel the Master ' s word . We c . n never be found worthy to receive it , but because we apply in the wrong spirit and in the wrong manner .

If found worthy ! Brethren , there is a world of meaning in that little word , •' if . " The Master ' s word is not promised to every one . One may have toiled in the quarries and yet be unworthy to receive it . Only the pure in heart shall see God , and only the worthy shall be vested with the Master ' s word . What are the condi . ions ? Waiting and worthiness . "They also serve who stand and wait . " " Worth makes the man . the want of it—the fellow . "

Let us study more carefully the symbolism of Masonry . It has a message to each of us , if we but understand ir . If there is nothing in Masonry but the dramatization of events that never occurred , if it can offer to us only the dry husks of sapless tradition , to what noble sentiments of the heart can it appeal ? We must have the power to pierce the veil that hangs before our

eyes , to see in the symbolism and ritual of each Degree the vital lessons therein concealed . It is not meant thit we should swallow every morsel of indigestible improbability that may be offered to us by well-meaning but illinformed brethren , for this would be to condemn us to stomichic disorders of no trifling sort .

l'he Solomonic myth has spread over the entire world , not bee wise it is true , for it is not true , but becau e it was the simplest form in which a great truth could be disseminated—the truth that through the portals of the grave we ascend to heaven .

This is the teaching of the Master ' s Degree , and to him who apprehends it aright shall the Master ' s word be given , if he he found worthy . —Masonic Guide .

Ancient And Accepted Rite.

ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED RITE .

The fourth annual meeting of the three British Supreme Councils took place this year in Edinburgh , and in the spacious hal ! and buildings which have been recently erected by the Supreme Council of Scotland . The meeting acquired an additional interest from the circumstance that advantage was taken of it to have a conference among the representatives of the Great Priories of England and Ireland , and of the Chapter General of Scotland , of the Religious

and Military Order of the Temple , for the purpose of attempting to arrange a convention between the three governing bodies in the Temple similar to that now so happily existing between the three Supreme Councils , and by which representatives from each would meet annually and successively in London , Dublin , and Edinburgh , for the purpose of promoting a

friendly Union , and of discussing matters affecting the general welfare of the Order . The representatives from the three Supreme Councils , 33 ° , met on the afternoon of Tuesday , the < pth instant , and had an opportunity of seeing the working of the thirtieth Degree . In the evening the members of that Degree entertained their distinguished visitors to dinner , Lord Saltoun , 33 ° , Grand Commander , in the chair .

On Wednesday , the ioth instant , the three Councils met in conference . Later on the same day the Temple conference took place , and resulted in a strong recommendation to adopt a concordat , the terms of which were adjusted . After the conference a Grand Consistory of the 32 was opened by V . III . Bro . John Falconer , 33 , and 11 ) . Bro . P . Stirling of Kippendavie was duly

received and installed as a Sub . and Val . Prince of the Royal Secret , 32 . Thereafter a Sovereign Tribunal of Grand Inspector Inquisitor Commanders was opened by V . III . Bro . the Earl of Haddington , 33 . and the following brethren , viz . : Alexander A Speirs , of Elderslie ; James A . Reid , Glasgow ; James Boyd , Glasgow ; R . King Stewart , of Murdostown ; and John Maclachlan , of Maclach-Ian , were duly constituted Grand Inspectors Inquisitor Commanders 31 ° .

In the evening the Supreme Council of Scotland entertained their visitors to dinner . The Earl of Kintore , Sovereign Grand Commander , in the chair . On this occasion it may be noted as a compliment to the visiting brethren that of the nine members who form the Supreme Council , eight were present .

On Thursday , the 1 ith inst ., the Councils and their visitors had an opportunity of seeing the working of the Prince Rose Croix and 18 , and in the evening were entertained at dinner by the Chapter General of the Religious and Military Order of the Temple , the Marquis of Breadalbane , Grand Master of the Order in Scotland , in the chair .

The representatives from the English Suprem ? Council were M . III . Bro Capt . Philips , 33 , Lieutenant Grand Commander ; V . III . Bro . Hugh D . Sandeman , 33 , Grand Secretary General ; and V . III . Bro . Frank Ricnardson , 33 ° , Grand Treasurer General . From the Irish Council : M . III . Bro . the Rev . Shekleton , 33 ° , Lieutenant Grand Commander ; and of the Scottish Council there were present M . P . Bro . the Earl of Kintore , Sov . G . Com . ; V . III . Bro . L .

Mackersy , 33 " , G . Sec . Genl . ; V . III . Bro . Lord Saltoun , 33 ° , G . Treasurer Genl . ; V . III . Bro . the Marquess of Breadalbane , G . M . C . ; V . 111 . Bro . the Earl of Haddington , 13 ° , G . C . G . ; V . 111 . Bro . G . F . Russell Colt , of Gartsherrie , 33 ° , G . Std . Br . ; V . 111 . Bro . John Falconer , M . R . C . S ., 33 , G . S . B . j and V . 111 . Bro . the Hon . F . Moncrieff , 33 ° G . Archiviste . There were also among the visitors III . Bros , the Earl of Euston , 33 ° ; Major General , J . C . Hay , 32 ; Major General Boswell , 31 ( England ); 111 . Bros . Thomas Valentine , 32 '; Lieut .-0

Col . A . V . Darwen , 32 '; Col . McGammon , 30 ; Bro . Clement K . Cordner , 30 ; Frater Wm . Comyns , ol the Grand Council of the Great Priory of Ireland ; and Frater Fry , from Ireland ; and from Scotland : 111 . Bros . Dr . Uicksrin , 32 ; John Graham , of Bro : idstone , 32 ° ; Henry Lumsden , of Pi tea pie , 2- ''' , Frances VV . Allan , 32 '; John M . Martin , of Aiicfiendciin . in , 32 "; George Oniric , 32 ^ ; Dr . Jamieson , ;( 2 ; Dr . Carmichael , ;) 2 ° ; Col . James T . Slewail , 32 "; Sir James Buchanan , Bart ., 32 ° ; Alexander Mitchell , , " , 1 "; C . C . Nisbet , 31 " ; Mr James Maitland , Bart ., 31 ' '; Robert J . Jamieson , 31 ; and Thomas B . Clark , 31 .