The Whole Duty Of An Obelisk.

Whether an Arab of the desert , bis legs looking like two loaves of French bread , or a brother in check trousers at Broad and Filbert , gives the inherited grip , it is all the same they say now . 'lhere must have been a marvellous dearth of invention in the ancient world , that they all did strike upon similar triangles and coffins , keys and serpents , that is , if these did not all derive from a common ancestry . It is still a

little mixed , too , whether this ancient Freemasonry was really a religion open to anybody who strove to take it and go up higher , or rather the incantation used to conjure by , and whose treasurers were reserved for the very high politicians on the plains of Shinar , the caucuses at Memphis and the " rings " of Attica . Naturall y it is very inspirinn- for a Masonic brother ( say in 1 SS 0 ) to reflect that the Druids ,

burning up their prisoners alive in wicker baskets , were just his great uncles , many times removed . The mind swells with the thought and the wicker-work carvings on Alasonic temples take on a new significance to the profane gaze of the uninitiated . Druid-Masonry must have meant , at all events , a bloody indifference to all humanity outside of it , and to even the men and women of British race , when

a human sacrifice was needed for an extraordinary effort of divination , 'lhe ancient claim , which must be spoken of with respect , reaching , as it does , from the times of Tubal Cain to those of Albert Edward , Prince of Wales , has just one element of question about it . Why did not the beneficent creed help the world along faster to justice and brotherhood , if itwas so wide-spread , so attractiveand so

, genial a tie as the hieroglyphic and symbolic records and all the tombs and syenite slabs would seem to say ? But u-e travel far from the present obelisk and its mission . When the grateful gift of Mohammed AU to the British nation , in memory of Nelson and the battle of the Nile the other needle that had lain flat in the sand of Alexandria since 1 S 19 , was finall y gotto sea and towed to the Thames

Embankment in 1 S 7 S , it occurred to our people that we were short of obelisks . The courteous Egyptian stood ready to furnish one , however , on demand . Not the tumbled down pillar that had contented the English , but the standing obelisk at Alexandria , and between which and the fallen one there was a standing dispute as to which of the two marked the site of thc ancient port . Howeverthat

, is not so much matter , when the anti quity of the obelisk family is remembered , and it is borne in mind that these and their relations are supposed to date back to the time ot the great god 1 um , and to have adorned his shrine Lieutenant Commander Gorringe , of the Navy , was detailed to bring our obelisk over from Alexandria , and the world knows its subsequent history . The obelisk of

Thotlitnes ill ., however , has another duty to perform beside showing young America how an old syenite pillar looks , that has looked out on Cleopatra going a fishing with Anthony , and on many a century before . On making the excavations needed to remove the pedestal of the obelisk-Alexandria the modern being some twenty feet higher than the ancient leve ofthe town—they found a trowel . 'That in itself would not have been remarkable . 'They might have found a hod , tooof the

, Augustan period , or a dinner keltic , or a clay pipe . _ Very likely the workmen of the year eight—Roman imperial time-dropped their tools around , when movingobelisks . And there is no reason to suppose that when the ( now ) American obeh . sk was moved from Heliopolis , its old site , where obelisks were a drug , they were so plenty , to the more modem watering place of Alexandria , to please Augustus and a Roman prefect at that place , they were particularly careful of tools . Down at Atlantic Citv when

ne sites 01 tne removed hotels arc investigated ( they arc always prancing about , those hotels at Atlantic citv , and genera ! y , like the obelisk , go nearer the sea ) , it is quite likely there might be found some stray planes or rules preserved entire among the compacted shavings under the piazzas . I he trowel would not have been enough to hold that is

wa- plaster sufficient to cement the obelisk to the temple of Solomon , and to the temple on Broad-street . But by the trowel there was a square—a regulation of Masonic granite-carved upon . 1 block of syenite granite , 84 inches deep , the cutting making the stone necessarily weak in its cut-away portion , so that thc sriuarc was the

only part ot , t that didn't break . 'I'he cut-away surface ot the stone was filled up with mortar , and , although it % vas good Masonry it wasn ' t good building , for the ' unequal pressure of the obelisk on top cracked this part of the foundation stone . Then there was a perfect ashlar , and a rough ashlar , and a pure white stone also stowed awav

among tlie lounuation blocks , and hereupon the obelisk steps out in its new character of thc " missin- ' link " An inscription shows that Pontius was thc architect , therefore K »? d , ' ! , e Eref «* Uarbarus , and the Emperor AVGVS 1 V S himself , to speak reverentl y , may , might , could , would , or should have been Masons and biethren of the mystic tie .

Somebody , doubtless , was about who preserved these symbols , as coins of the period and other interesting matters are now stowed away in corner-stones . As they didn ' t use corner-stones in those days for " Fidelity " safes against the burglar 1 nnc , they had to put the treasures in promiscuous with the rest of the pedestal , trusting that the ajl-reveahn" - V ankce would come along some day , with the

badge on his watch chain to make all the world kin . So Tar as the kin goes , resting on this pedestal , it points to the Augustan age merel y as the vanishing point of time , and thaf is not nearly antique enough . No true Alason would be satisfied with that , or with anything short of Japhet , at the very earliest . The real chasm , therefore , which these obelisk stones are needed to bridge across is over to the

temples and tombs of Egypt and the pictured symbols there . Here it is that Dr . Weisse's delightful book , the "Obelisk and Freemasonry , " just published in New York , comes to aid the reader in a still-hunt among the secret societies of old . By thc aid of Belzoni ' s maps and charts arid Madame Belzoni's conversations , and Dr . Samuel Kirch's translations and temple-talk ( to coin a word ) the

uninitiated , even , can follow through the connecting ^ chain , more interested certainly in the rock pictures of initiation ceremonies of Grand . Master ' s Guide , candidate and assistant than in the son of the Sun , Thothmes , son of Turn , lord of diadems and the _ powerful Bull , whose glory and power this and other obelisks make themselves tautologous with

recording . 'The ordinary world , apart from the Free Alasonic World , would perhaps care as little about Ramses the First as about the colours and symbols and plummets , per se , t \ ie regalia and lhe dynasties of Masonic lore . But it is interested to find a chain of similiar symbols running through the tombs of Egypt , thc temples of India , the teo-calli of Mexico and the Mounds of the Mississippi valley . In this

The Whole Duty Of An Obelisk.

view , even the Triangular Sun and Serpent Apron , or its picture , found in a rock-excavated temple . 4000 years old , is a certain proof that they wore aprons in those days . That satisfies equally Alasonic and the unassisted eye . Humanity has carved itself away , each passing wave of men , in pyramids and obelisks and earth-hewn temples and sunbaked bricks , and on the shale stone tablets of Illinois

county , leaving its message for those who come after . It is a uniform , if not always a cuneiform message , with its keystones and circles , its triangles , its horned moons and monkeys . We are groping along after It , and what light Freemasonry can throw upon it is welcome , amusing , and valuable—though it has to unveil its mystic lantern somewhat to get the light to throw . —Public Ledger , Philadelphia .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

( Craft Jftasonrjj , ST . MARTIN'S-LE-GRAND LODGE ( No . 153 S ) . — -The installation of Bro . A . C . Aloffatt as Worshipful Alaster of this lodge , which is composed mainly of Civil Servants associated with the General Post Office , took place , under most gratifying auspices , on Wednesday , the nth inst ., at the Guildhall Tavern . Shortly after half-past four o'clock lodge was opened , in accordance with ancient rites , the chair being occupied by Alajor VV . E . Williams ,

P . AI . and 'treasurer , who was supported by the retiring Worshipful Alaster , Bro . George Gregory , Bros . F . 13 . Williams , I . P . AI . ; VV . Gibbs , ' S . VV . ; A . C . Aloffatt , J . W . ; J . Hookey , Sec ; Dr . VV . Smith , S . D . ; Thomas j . Robertson , J . D . ; H . F . Dickson , Steward ; A . C . ' Woodman , P . AL ; F . Green , P . M . ; Thomas Bates , Thomas J . Newell , George Hatch , James Dunbar , P . I . Larking , J . Stannard , J . P . Parker , J . AL West , VV .

Tyrrell , H . Cooper , P . D . Roddy , VV . IC . Francis , P . G . D . C ; E . A . Newall , and J . Garland . Amongst the visiting brethren were Bros . IC . P . Albert , P . G . Piirs . ; C . Woolmer-Williams , P . M . 1271 ; T . Robins , P . AI . 25 ; J . C . Gant , P . AL , P . P . G . J . W . Surrey ; H . J . Reynolds , P . M . 91 ; T . Vincent , ISOI ; F . Lake , 27 ; J . G . Willett , 1117 ; J . Mathews , 349 ; W . B . Stannard , 1275 ; R . M . Sewell , 21 ; j . C . Strong , 21 : and

others . After the observance of the customary formalities , lodge was advanced , when Bro . 'Thomas 11 . Newell was raised to the Sublime Degree , the ceremony being rendered in the most efficient manner by the Immediate Past Alaster , Bro . F . B . Williams , who , we understand , has been a member of the lodge ever since its formation . 'The working of thc Degree was simply perfect , and its impressive character

suffered nothing in the hands of the proficient officer to whom thc duty was entrusted . At the conclusion of the ceremony lodge was lowered , when the Worshipful Alaster elect was presented by Bro . Alajor VV . E . VVilliains for installation . The Installing Officer , Bro . C . Woolmer-Williams , P . M . 1275 , assented , and the nominee for thc chair having subscribed to the customary formula ; , a Board of Installed Masters was formed for the purpose of

carrying out the expressed wishes of the lodge . On the re-admission ofthe brethren , the newly-installed VV . Master was saluted with Craft honours , Bro . VV . IC . Francis , P . G . D . C , assisting with his accustomed ability as Director of the Ceremonies . The charges were delivered in an eloquent and perfect manner by the Installing Officer , who acquitted himself to the general satisfaction of the biethren in the arduous duties assigned to him .

After having received the salutations of the lodge , the newly-installed Alaster invested his officers for the ensuing year , bestowing the collars as follows : Bros . George Gregory , I . P . AI . ; ' VV . Gibbs , S . W . ; Dr . VV . Smith , J . W . j Major VV . IC . Williams , Treas . ; J . Hookey , See . ; Dr . Colics , Chap . ; Thomas ) . Robertson , S . D . ; " J . P . Parkes , I . D . ; J . Dunbar , D . C ; H . F . Dickson , I . C ; and J . ' Gilbert , P . G . Tyler Aliddx ., Tyler Bro . Aloffatt

inaugurated his year of | office b y initiating Bro . M . Alumford into the mysteries and privileges of the Craft , the ceremony being performed in a manner such as gave promise of wisdom to discern , and ability to execute , thc important duties attached to the elevated position to which the W . AL had just been elevated in the lodge . A valuable Past Alaster ' s jewel was then presented , with thc best wishes of the tirethrcn , to the retiring Alaster , Bro . George

Gregory , in acknowledgment of the efficient services he had rendered to the lodge during his year of office ; and the gift was acknowledged in a few happily-chosen sentences . A cordial vote of thanks was accorded to Bro . C . Woo ! m- £ T Willinms for his admirable rendering of the ceremony of installation , after which the lodge was closed in form , . -.. id the brethren adjourned to the banqueting room , where a recherche repast had been provided by Messrs . Fitter r __ . - . d

Clifford . 'The chair was occupied by Bro . A . C . Aloffatt , who , after dessert had been placed upon the tables , proposed the usaal loyal and Alasonic toasts , which wen ? received with musical honours . In proposing "' 'The Health of the Alost Worshipful Grand Alaster , H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , " the Worshipful Alaster said the Prince frequently gave up his time and other duties to manifest his zeal in Freemasonry ,

and , in thus laying aside the sceptre for the trowel , he Uunished all Alasons with an example they could do no Letter than to emulate . ( Cheers . ) The VV . AI . proposed "The Health of the Pro Grand Alaster , the Karl of Carnarvon ; the Deputy Grand Alaster , thc Earl of Lathom ; and the other Officers of Grand Lodge , " speaking in felicitous terms of thc valuable services they all rendered to the cause of brotherly lovereliefand truth . ( Cheers . ) Bro .

, , IC . P . Albert , P . G . Purst ., acknowledged the toast , and spoke highly of tlie very admirable manner in which the ceremonies of that very interesting occasion had been performed . ( Applause . ) Bro . George Gregory , I . P . AI ., in giving "The Health of the Newly-Installed Worshipful Alaster , " said that for some years the St . AJartin's-le-Grand Lotlge had been pleased to appoint one of the

founders of the lodge to succeed to the dignity of the principal chair , and ' this was the first occasion in whicli they had departed from the regular course . He presumed this was in a great measure because the founders were pretty nearly exhausted . ( Hear , hear . ) The way in whicli Bro . Aloffatt had performed his duties , both in lodge and in the banqueting hall , left nothing to be desired ; and they

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

might anticipate that his year of office Would be as bright and prosperous as any of the brethren could wish it . ( Applause . ) He had pleasure in handing over the responsibilities and honours of that exalted position to Bro . Aloffatt , and lie trusted the year might be as satisfactory to himself as he felt assured it would lie to the credit and comfort of the lodge . ( Loud cheers . ) The Worshipful Alaster , in

acknowledging the toast , expressed the pleasure it afforded him to have been elevated to the highest dignity in his mother lodge—a pleasure , he added , to which he had always looked forward , as every brother was justified in doing , with proud anticipations . Itwas usual for the officers to be advanced in rotation , but on this occasion the Senior Warden had e ;< ven way before him ; and thus he

was a year before his time in the Alastership of the lodge . He trusted lie mi g ht be enabled to perform the duties " of his office with credit to himself and satisfaction to the lodge generally , and that he might hand down the insignia to his successor with its lustre undimmed . ( Applause . ) In turn he gave "The Health of the Initiate , " the toast beinir received with the heartiest acclamations . Bro .

AI . Alumford expressed the gratification it afforded him to have that day become acquainted with some of the mysteries of this ancient and honourable Institution , of which he trusted he might prove himself a worthy member and an apt scholar . j ( Applause . ) The W . AL , in proposing "The Health of the Past Alasters , " congratulated the brethren upon the attendance of so many ' Past Officers ,

and he associated with the toast the names of P . M . 's Woodward , Green , Major Williams , V . li . Williams , and Gregory , and thanked each and all for the assistance they had rendered the officers of the lodge at all times . ( Applause . ) Bro . F . Green , P . AL , responded in a suitable manner . "The Health of the Installing Alaster" was given in felicitous terms from the chair , and in responding ,

Bro . C . Woolnier-VV'illiams said it had been a source of great gratification to him , as one of the founders of this lodge , to have visited them on several occasions , but his pleasure had been more than ordinary that day in having been allowed to perform the installation ceremony . He had taken a deep interest in the lodge ever since its foundation , and felt assured that , having started under such

excellent auspices , it must succeed . ( Applause . ) Year by year a numbci of exceptionally good members were brought into the lodge , whicli alone spoke well for its future welfare , nnd very few lodges could excel the St . Alartin ' s-le-Grand in the manner in which the ritual and the various ceremonies were worked . He , therefore , esteemed it a very great honour to have been permitted to perform this important

ceremony , and it would afford him pleasure to render any service in thc future that might be required of him by the lodge . ( Applause . ) The W . M . having given the customary welcome to '" The Visitors , " of whom he was glad to see so goodl y a muster on this occasion , Bro . Reynolds , P . G . S ., briefly replied . "The Health of the Secretary and Treasurer , '' with thanks for their past services , was the next

toast , and it met with a most flattering reception . Bros . J . Hookey and Alajor VV . Williams severally responded . The latter gentleman , who has been Treasurer of the lodge since its formation , said it was gratifying to watch tlie increasing influence and importance of the lodge as it progressed from year to year . At first they were in debt , but now they had a good round sum in hand —( applause)—and he suggested that they should devote some greater portion

of their substance than they had hitherto done to the Alasonic Charities . ( Hear , hear . ) Mc thought it would only be right to send a Steward to each of the three Festivals , and that they should be started with a grant of £ 5 each out of the lodge funds . ( Applause . ) " TTie Ifealths of the Officers of the Lodge " and other complimentary toasts were disposed of , and thc list was brought to a termination by the Tyler's toast . During the evening some excellent tocal and instrumental music was given .

COCKERMOUTH . —Faithfull Lodgej >* o . 229 ) . —The monthly meeting of this iodge was held on Wednesday evening , the nth inst ., in the Alasonic Hall , Station-street . There were present Bros . R . Robinson , VV . AI . ; VV . H . Lewthwaitc , S . W . and Org . ; Captain Sewell , I . W . and W . AL elect . ; VV . F . Lamonby , P . AL , as AI . O . ; ' T . C . Robinson ,, S . O . ; J . Black , Treasurer , R . A . T .. and Sec . ; T . Bird ; and others . After the minutes were read

and confirmed tlie lodge was resolved'into a Committee of the whole , in order to make arrangements for the retention of the Provincial Grand Lodge , tin Tuesday , the 31 st inst . Bro . Lamonby announced that efforts had been made to resuscitate tlie Bective Lodge , No . 147 , at Keswick , and to that end a meeting would be held on Tuesday , the-24 th inst ., at which it was expected there would be some advancements with the election of VV . M . 'This bczag- all the business the Iodge was closed .

YORK .. —York Lodge ( No . 2 . 36 ) . — The rsgular meeting of this lodge \> as held on ?> Ionday evening , the iOth inst ., when the choir was occupied by the VV . M ., Bro . VV . II . Galhforth , there being also present Bros . A . Buckle , I . P . AI . ; J . Todd , P . M . arid Treas . ; -. T . B . Whytehead , P . AL ; G . Balmford , P . M . ; J . S . Cumberland , P . M . . 1611 ; AI . Rooke ,. S . VV . ; I . S . Rymer , ] . W \; T . G . Hodgson ,

as Secretary ; Rev . A- B . Day , Chaplain ; Garbutt , S . D . ; Draper , J . D . ; Hopkins ,. Organist ; Hollins , as I . G . ; and several other members and visitors .. VVr . White * having been accepted on the ballot , was initiated by theW . M ., the charge being delbercd by the S . VV . Bro . Todd , P . AL , presented to the lodge , on behalf of Lord Zetland , a photograph of his lordship , and on , behalf of Bro . VV . J .

Hughan , a copy of the Constitutions of 183 G . Bro . load stated that the series of Constitutions in the possession of the lodge was now complete with , one exception . Votes of thanks to the donors were proposed by Bro . Buckle , P . AL , seconded by Bro . Whytehead , P . M ., and carried unanimously . 'The report of the Committee appointed to consider the best form of testimonial to Bro . 1 . Todd , P . M .,

was brought up . It recommended a grant from the lodge to be supplemented by a subscription , limited to half-aguinca . On the motion of Bro . Whytehead , seconded by Bro . Buckle , P . M ., the report was adopted . Bro . Todd moved a resolution expressive of the sense of loss the lodge ,

had sustained by the death of their late Bro . J . Ward , which was seconded by Bro . Balmford , and carried in solemn silence . After the close of the lodge a number of the brethren met at the table of refreshment , when many loyal and Alasonic toasts were drunk .