Mrs. Blake On Freemasonry.

Fraternities worked set them free from rural servitude , from taxation , and from other burdens imposed on the remainder of thc population . But she quotes no instances of this , and it sems more likely that thc term merely meant masons who were "free" or full members of their guild . Another reason for the peculiar secrecy and mystery belonging to the guild will probably be found in the fact that tbe work

of Masonry was of necessity carried on , to a great degree , in public , and not , like other mechanical arts , in the privacy of a workshop . The dreaded " cowan , " who is to be kept at a distance by guards and outposts , and repelled from the mysterious seclusion of the lodge by an elaborate system of signs and symbolisms , merely represent the crowds of unskilled labourers and mechanics , the mixers of mortar , and

hewers of timber , and carriers of stone , who of necessity were closely associated with every great work of building , who could not possibly be kept from a certain degree of fellowship with the members , and probably were desirous of pryin" into the system and pilfering the trade secrets of the skilled artisans . Such , without doubt , was the simple origin of Freemasonry . It was almost matter of course that not only its admirable

organisation , due in a great measure to its monastic associations , but the atmosphere of graceful and tender mysticism in which it was enveloped , should draw general attention to it , and that many societies , formed for political , religious , and even social purposes , should form themselves upon its lines and appropriate such portion of its convenient and attractive nomenclature as were readily accessible to public

knowledge , doubtless also , in many cases , supplying an esoteric meaning from the enthusiasm of an excited imagination . Of many of these secret societies , such as the Vehm Gericht and the Rosicrucians , which latter she attributes to the political intrigues of Jesuits , Mrs . Blake gives very interesting and detailed accounts . A very cleverly written chapter accounts for the undoubted connection between the

order of Knight Templars , at least in their evil days , and the more modern foims of Freemasonry . There is much likelihood in the view that the very intimacy of the connection between Freemason ry and the monasteries had given the former too clear a view of the corruptions and immoralities that had crown upon the religious bodies , and which , indeed ,

they had often been called upon to satirise by their carvings . Stich insights into the real state of the case would naturally dispose them to offer shelter to a body of men who were suffering bitter persecution for the wider and more liberal opinions which they they had entertained , in advauceof the age in which they lived . Of modern Freemasonry Mrs . Blake says little , but even that little will probably provoke some angry

comment : — . " We do not deny that the Masonic tie of brotherhood may occasionally be useful—though we doubt if , in any civilised land , honesty , straightforwardness , and politeness will ' not prove at least as useful passports as any number of secret signs and grips ; but , in manycases , it is to befeared that the plea of Masonic Fraternity is employed as a cloak

for jobbery , and an excuse for the unfair promotion of a brother Mason , to the detriment of some more worthy man who happens not to be initiated . " . . In spite of the sting in the conclusion , thc book is in the main not only fair and impartial , but : unusually interesting and readable . We can recommend it to all who would like to know a little of the real facts connected with

the history of thc Brotherhood . In the opening page is an interesting collection of Masons' marks from different European countries . Inspection and comparison of these give little countenance to the theory that thev form a sort of cryptic language intelligible to the initiated of all countries , or that they differ in any degree from ordinary trademarks .

How Shall I Work?

HOW SHALL I WORK ?

A certain lawyer having charge of an important case in whicli he had a number of assistants , said : "A I want to draw up the indictment ; B to open the argument ; I will examine the witnesses ; C will make the plea , and D will prepare the instructions for the jury . " This was his arrangement , by which he gave each man the work for which hc was

specially adapted . Each could have managed all these details in a case of his own , but each bad a specialty , and in a case of importance each detail must be examinee ! with its freatest power . So in a lodge ; one is a peculiarly good yler , another a good Warden , another a Secretary , another a Master , and all ought to be good at something . It is better to be a good Tyler than a poor Warden , a good

Warden than a poor Master . In practical life , many a good farmer . is spoiled to make a poor lawyer ; a good wood-sawyer to make a poor mechanic ; a good mechanic to make a poor preacher ; and so through all of man ' s practical life . Ambition should not run beyond ability . This is true of Masonry as well as many other things . 1 once knew a man who had been Tvler for a great many years ; he was Tyler of all the

lodges and chapters in the city . They could not do without him ; he was satisfied , and knew all the details of the work . Had he been asked by another Tyler , " How shall I work ? " he could readily have answered . When we come into tlie higher part of Masonic work , it is just as easy when adabtapility is known . The field , however , is manv times larger , for we have taken only the

smallest field of Masonic work , but there are fields of work that require more thought , time , posting , and information . The average Mason merely inquires how he shall work in opening andclosing thc lodge , and in conferring Degrees . Were we asked this question with reference to thc Master , we would reply that it should be taken in a much larger sense than this mere local work . A novitiate asks why such and

such a thing exists , but unless there is something ofa history , it is doubtful if thc Master could answer . How many could give the history of the columns , the Doric , Corinthian , Ionic , and impart correct knowledge upon those subjects ? Yet if they are in any way important to Masonry , they are important to the novitiate . Tbe Master , if not the best informed man in the lodge , should at least be put in the way of information . If a man is elected to that position he should have access to

books or lectures upon the subject , so that he may impart valuable information to his members and initiates . Thus by placing a man under instruction in these matters , and requiring information at his hands , we soon would have lodges of information as well as intelligence . I * ack of knowledge of Wasonic jurisprudence is one of the saddest deficiencies in our working , while the information upon the subject is -abundant . This , of itself , is of importance to demand much

How Shall I Work?

study , and men peculiar !) ' adapted to the work would be of vast importance to a lodge . The attendance is small ; thc Master says : " Bro . A , will you please take the Junior Warden ' s station this evening ?" "Please excuse me ; I do not know thc work ! " "I will instruct you . " 'This is no time for instruction . The information should have been there before . Thc work has not been performed to make Masons good workers in the

departments for which all , or many at least , should be prepared . In almost every lodge we have wallflowers . Were they on sale , the merchant would say : " That is thc finest line of wallflowers I ever had ! " They have been there for years . The )* don't know anything , and there is nothing they can do . Could they be Tylers ? No . Can they prepare a candidate ? No . Do they understand the symbols ? No . Would thev be good Wardens ? No . They don ' t know

anything . It is a good thing , however , that Masonic wallflowers are few . + How can such a state of things , which we all know exists in certain localities , be remedied ? We have a theory which is practical and possible , but hardly probable . _ We would have a Masonic training-school in which specific svbrects

shall be assigned to certain ones , who shall prepare and lecture until all have at least a reasonable knowledge of the real merits and history of the work , for the history is as essential as the work itself to a proper understanding of real Masonry . Evenings , aside from regular lodge meetings , can be of much benefit thus to a lodge in disseminating

valuable information . The great work of Masonry , however , is not merely of this character . Much has been said by writers generally upon Masonic benevolence , and much has Freemasonry been criticised by those who do not understand all its aims . It is not the intention to give to all who are sick or afflicted , but only where that help is needed . It is not benevolence to give to man abundantly able to care for himself merely because

he is sick , though he may turn it back into dues . It is not benevolence to refuse a poor man in the hour of distress , because he is behind in his dues . Benevolence is something we have no right to refuse because we do not like the man , or because he may owe us . The demands of benevolence are thc demands of humanity , and the demands of humanity admit of but one thought—the man suffers—we must help . We now take this thought of our work : Who suffers ;

how much does he need , can I supply him ; who can help ? Itis not the duty of one to help alone when there arc others who can bear a part , because—F rst : The help of that one may be needed elsewhere , and whatever he can do is better divided—if large enough to suffer division . Second : When there are others to help , it is unjust not to give them thc privilege . So in this work we may find different elements , and we must understand the elements , then we can easily

tell how we can work . Thc moral element of work enters a new channel , although it may be wrought with the others . The best teaching and work morall y is practice . All men are not competent in this regard . They might teach , but it is of nolvalue unless there be corresponding practice . Then in teaching it is not merely enough to know that you have a subject , but that subject must be in condition for teaching . If the conditions are not right , much of the teaching is lost ,

hence judgment isa great clement of moral work . The conditions of the subject may be right , but has the teacher now the proper knowledge of the subject , or of the thought to be the proper instructor ? Illustrations arc sometimes line assistance in teaching , but will the subject understand the illustration ? A lodge has been brought together to hear of history ; their minds are ready forit , andalecture upon morals might be out of place , because the conditions of the subject

are not right . When we have learned the condition of the subject and are in proper condition to be the teacher , we are then ready to solve the problem : "How shall I work ?" Physical work develops the body—mental work tbe mind —social work the nature ; so these may all be called into requisition in our Masonic work . If these elements are properly used , our lives will developetbc thought in others . He works right who employs these agencies .

Enthusiasm is a great aid to work of any nature , but it is much criticised , and many are depreciated because of their enthusiastic work , yet will any one answer , if enthusiasm is to be condemned , why is it that most of the great enterprises of life arcperformed under the strength of this feeling ? The great railroads , and many commercialenterp rises , are worked up under enthusiasm . If this feeling is valuable to commerce and mechanics , why may it not be of service in the

moral cause of life ? Experience teaches us that much of our greatest good is performed under such feeling . It is just as consistent for Masons thus to work as others . Let men carry this clement into all their Masonic work , and , as they progress , they will develope into good work . The other parts of work here pointed out may remain permanent . If as much could be said of the enthusiastic feeling , we would

needjnothing more to make the Craft a grander success for years . Young lodges and young Masons are more prosperous , generally , than older ones , because they are enthusiasts , and do not stop to inquire : " What shall I do , or how shall I work ? " but they goto work searching , and fulfil tbe thought * . "Whatever thy band findeth to do , do it with thy might . "—Bro . IV . S . Hooper , "Keystone . "

Consecration Of The Highgate Chapter, No. 1366.

CONSECRATION OF THE HIGHGATE CHAPTER , No . 1366 .

The ceremony of consecration of this new Royal Arch chapter was performed on the 12 th inst . at the Gatehouse Hotel , Highgate , by Comp . W . Stephens , P . ' A ., assisted by Comps . Edgar Bowyer , as H ., and George F . Cook , as j . Comp . James Terry was installed as M . E . Z . ; Comp . J . H .

Sadler , as IT . ; and Comp . J . E . Cussans , as J . ; Comp . W . Stephens performing those ceremonies . Votes of thanks were afterwards passed to Comps . Stephens , Bowyer , and Cook , who were also elected honorary members of the new chapter . A banquet followed the business of the day , and thc usual loyal and Royal Arch toasts were proposed . Comp . TERRY proposed "The Consecrating Officers , "

and complimented them on the performance of thc ceremony . In responding , Comp . STEPHENS thanked the companions for the honour in selecting him to consecrate a chapter composed of such distinguished members as comprised the chapter , and with such presiding officers it must , of necessity , prove a success . Comps . BOWYER and COOK also thanked the companions for including their names with Comp , W . Stephens ,

Consecration Of The Highgate Chapter, No. 1366.

"The Health of the M . E . Z . " was most ably responded to , and the officers complimented by the M . E . Z . as to their efficiency in Royal Arch Masonry . A most enjoyable evening was spent , and the companions retired fully sensible of the future ' prosperity which awaited this excellent beginning . The musical arrangements were under the direction of Comp . Montem Smith , n-Jio , at the banquet , gave several excellent songs .

Provincial Grand Cryptic Council For Tunis And Malta.

PROVINCIAL GRAND CRYPTIC COUNCIL FOR TUNIS AND MALTA .

A meeting of the Melita Council , No . 10 , was held on the Sth inst ., at the MasonicHall , Valetta , Malta . Present : Comps . A . M . Broadley , as T . I . M . ; Beechey , D . M . ; E \ ying , P . C . of W . ; Starkey , Recorder and Treasurer ; Grier , Capt . of G . ; Chapman , C . of C . * , Mortimer , Marshal ; and Finch Noyes , Steward ; Comp . W . Kingston

( D . G . M . Craft ) . The council having been opened , the following M . M . M . 's and R . A . M . ' s were elected , viz ., R . W . Bro . W . D . R . Bedford , P . G . M . M . M . Staffordshire and Warwickshire , P . G . Chaplain of England ; and Bros . E . Rosenbusch , D . D . G . M . Malta ; Col . Carey , R . A ., Capt . Blake , R . A ., H . Stilon , A . B . Tagliaferro , and R . Beek ( Sentinel elect ) . The candidates were then admitted into the Cryptic

Degrees , the Degrees of R . and S . M . being worked in extenso , and with the requisite furniture . This being concluded , the acting T . I . M ., after expressing regret " atthe absence of Comp . Coffey ( T . I . M . No . 10 ) , from illness , requested Comp . Starkey to read his patent as P . G . M . This having been done , a Provincial Grand Council was declared open , and the following appointments made to

provincial rank , viz . : — Comp . C . E . Coffey P . G . D . G . M . „ Perini P . G . C . of W . „ Beechy ... ... ... P . G . Lecturer . „ Tagliaferro ( elected ) ... ... P . G . Treasurer . „ Starkey ... ... ... P . G . Recorder . „ Bedford ( P . G . C . of England ) > pr r , ,. and Frankel j J , G . Chaplains .

„ Major Ewing .. ... ... P . G . C . of Guard . " C 0 '' C Grie 7 CaPt" B'ake ' " ) P * * Marshals . „ Chapman ... ... ... P . G . Swd . Br . „ Stilon P . G . Std . Br . „ Capt . R . A . Johnstone ... ... P . G . Organist . ,, Barker and Mortimer ... ... P . G . Stewards .

„ Beck ... P . G . Sentinel . The congratulations of the Raymond Portal Council , No . 9 , and the Melita Council , No . 10 , having been offered , the Provincial Grand Council was duly closed . Hopes arc fully entertained that these interesting Degrees will be efficiently worked , and thoroughly appreciated by the Masons of this district .

Cambridge Local Examinations.

CAMBRIDGE LOCAL EXAMINATIONS .

At the recent Cambridge Local Examinations out of eleven boys sent up from the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys only one failed , while the average number of failures among the 3404 boys sent up from all parts of England was about one in three . Three of the boys fiom the Masonic School took first-class honours , three second , and three third ; and one boy passed . The following are the successful pupils from the Institution :

FIRST CLASS . Stephenson , A H . ... ... ( Province of Yorkshire . ) Price , E . L .... ... ... ( London . ) Brock , H . B . ... ... ( Provinceof Monmouth . ) SECOND CLASS . Evans , W . ... ... ... ( Surrey . ) Parker , A . R . ... ... ( London . ) Cole , W . E . ... ... ( Lincolnshire ) .

I 111 RD CLASS . Barrett , C . D . ... ... ( Dorset . ) Ellis , M . B ( Dorset . ) Robinson , G . ... ... ( Sussex . ) PASSED . Fenemore , H . M . ... ... ( Kent . ) Stephenson was distinguished for Latin : Evans , German ; and Fenemore , German .

Masonic M.P.'S.

MASONIC M . P . ' s .

Bro . W . W . BEACH ( North Hampshire ) is R . W . P . G . M . for Hants and thc Isle of Wight ; as also P . G . Supt . He was appointed to both offices in iSog . Bro . the Earl of BECTIVE ( Westmorland ) is R . W . P . G . M . for Cumberland and Westmorland . His lordship ' s patent is dated Jan . 26 th , 1 S 67 . He was appointed P . G .

Supt . ten years later , and is R . W . P . G . M . of the Mark Masons . Lord Bective , when a minor ( a " Lewis , " being eldest son of the Marrpiis of Headport , a Past Grand Warden of Ireland ) , was initiated in the Apollo Lodge , at Oxford , and thc following year was exalted in the Alfred Chapter , also at Oxford . He was founder of the Underley Lodge and Bective Chapter , No . 1074 , at Kirkbv

Lonsdale , of which he is P . M . and P . / . Moreover , his lordship is a Past Grand Sovereign of the Red Cross Order , and representative of the Grand Lodge of Greece at the Grand Lodge of England . Bro . the Right Hon . G . A . CAVENDISH-BENTIN'CK ( Whitehaven ) , Judge-Advocate-General , is a member of Sun , Square , and Compasses Lodge and Chapter , No . 119 ,

Whitehaven . He is also a member of the Solway Lodge of Oddfellows , M . U ., in the same town . Bro . MAXWELL C . CLOSE , D . C . L . ( Armagh County ) , is R . W . P . G . M . for Armagh . Bro . R . W . COCHRAN ' -PATRICK ( North Ayrshire ) is R . W . P . G . M . of Ayrshire , and R . W . M . of the Mother Lodge of Kilwinning . He is 32 of the A . A . S . R . The Right Hon . the Marnuisof HARTINUTON ( Radnor

Boroughs and North-East Lancashire ) is R . W . P . G . M ., and P . G . Supt . for Derbyshire , his lordship ' s patents respectively dating 1 S 58 and 1876 . , Bro . Sir R . C MUSGRAVE ( East Cumberland ) Lord Lieutenant of Westmorland , is a P . M . of Lodge No . 339 ' Penrith , and P . P . G . S . W . of Cumberland . He is also a member of Regularity Chapter , No . 339 . Bro . Colonel MUJRE ( Renfrewshire ) is a P . M . of the Mother Lodge of Kilwinning ,