Craft Masonry.

lively speaking sphere of private life , in the future as in the past , no effort of mine shall be wanting to assist my successors ; to foster and promote the continuance of that goodwill and harmony which has hitherto been one of he distinguishing characteristics of this lodge ; to perpetuate and encourage the great cardinal principles of our Orderdeal which entices the interest of the different members of the Craft , and there must be an inexhaustible store of

information to be derived from it . I cannot pretend to enter to-night into any of the aspects of Freemasonry which I have mentioned ; I will only venture to speak of my own experiences as a Mason , and what I feel myself to be the practical advantages of being a member of the Craft . I am not a Mason of yesterday , some 40 years having passed since , as an undergraduate at Oxford , I was initiated , and I have never regretted that step . On the

contrary , I experience a steady and increasing feeling of thankfulness that in that now distant epoch of my life I became a member of the Craft . I have always felt it an honour to be a Mason , and on a great many occasions I have found it to be of great practical utility . I have often been questioned as to the reasonableness of a Christian being a Mason , for outsiders have told me that at best Masonry is but a system of Deism , and therefore

Christian men and especially Christian Ministers should not belong to it . Aly answer has always been that if Freemasonry were a thing of the present moment , if it were the creation of a day in which we live , then I should have had great hesitation in joining it . But Freemasonry has existed for a long period of years , it is as old as any form of religion which is known to have existed j it is coeval , we believe , with the first conception of

the existence of a God , it was the very first foundation stone of religion of any sort or kind , and I must say that it seems to me that , recognising in Alasonry its venerable character , and recognising its past history , one does not feel prepared to reject that which is so eminently the earnest yearninglof longing humanity from those very distant times . Freemasonry is like one of those grand notes which are evoked from an organ , whose depth of sound is

the basis and foundation of beautiful harmonies which are founded upon it . It seems to me that Freemasonry is like that , and whilst you would not accept the simple note as the whole of the music , yet in listening to the beautiful harmonies you would not forget that which underlies , and is the basis of them . Therefore , Freemasonry deserves our reverence . It is not our religion , we do not profess that it is , but it has that religious character which is common to

all religions ; and whilst not disposed to give up the greater light and knowledge , to abandon our holy faith forthe tenets of Freemasonry , yet recognising that Freemasonry is the substratum of religion , we value and reverence it as such , lt has often been objected to me that it was not right for me to support Freemasonry when many things had in the past taken place in lodges which could not be approved of by a Christian man . My answer has been that I believe

the history of Freemasonry is like the history of everything else . In the history of the Church there have been seasons of use and seasons of abuse , and , as a clergyman , I cannot defend all that the Church has dore in days gone by . The same might be said in regard to Alasonry , and as I should moststrongly repudiate any attack upon the Church of which I am a minister , because of her shortcomings in days gone by , so on the other hand do 1 hold similar views with

regard to Freemasonry . In its past history things have taken place which 1 would gladly draw a veil over , yet there is much associated with I-reemasonry which makes it not only consistent , but desirable for Christian men and clergymen to be members of the Craft . The first thing which makes Freemasonry valuable is its unity . Whilst Masonry is entitled to reverence on account of its great antiquity , it is also entitled to reverence because it is supplying a want

which I do not find to be supplied in any other way . It fosters a unity which is not to be found anywhere else , and unity was never more earnestly desired than it is in the present day . The reason I value it as a pattern of unity is because in the truest sense of the word it is unsectarian . It is not a system of latitudinaiianism or unworthy compromise , but in the lodge we can , and do , meet on a broad basis , and those who would be separated hopelessly in the

world , here meet as friends and brothers . As a clergyman it has thrown me into the society of men I should never have known but for Freemasonry ; it has put me on a kind and friendly footing towards them which could not have been obtained in any other way . Another great practical advantage in Freemasonry is the order to be found in our lodges , both as regards subordinate positions andpositionsof authority . Here we see on the one hand the great

advantage of obedience , and on the other the great honour of authority . If the spirit of subordination which reigns in a Freemason's lodge so happily could permeate the world around us—the same ready spirit of obediencesome of the great questions which will have to be settled would be much more easily solved than they are likely to be as matters now stand . Authority inour lodges is always tempered with moderation ,

because it is the authority ot those who have learned to obey , and who therefore are the best qualified to command . Liberality is another great feature of the Craft . There is no ostentation in it ; it is so quietly done that few know anything about it . Not until 1 became a member of Grand Lodge had I any idea of the extent of the Craft's liberality orof the admirable manner in which this liberality is dispensed . If there were no other advantage to be derived

from being a Freemason , the manner in which our funds are distributed would be sufficient reason why I should rejoice at being a member of the Craft . I , for one , wish that what we do in this respect could be more widel y known . Some people say that Freemasonry is a strange jumble of serious and secular things , and that is another reason why it is not consistent for a Christian to join it ; but , after 40 years' experience as a Alason , I have never seen anything

in a lodge that is not consistent with true reverence and with the highest and most sacied truths we hold . In these days , when the name of God is so apt to be forgotten , I am thankful lhat in Freemasonry there is a sober and solemn side to our meetings . Freemasonry is also valuable for the practical character it possesses in these lays . Nobody can look at the course of events around us without feeling that

fhe problems before us are as difficult , if nr . t more difficult , than any which have presented themselves in the past , and we shall all admitthatthesolutionof thoseproblemswill very muih depend upon the temper of mind with which they are approached , and the ' possibility of Iheir being discussed in a spirit of courtesy . In this sense Freemasonry will be a valuable instrument for dealing with the difficulties and

Craft Masonry.

complications of the future . So far from Freemasonry being an effete institution , and its day over , we need , as Alasons , to gird up our loins and do the bast wc can to inspire others with the principles we value so highly , and which are of such inestimable value in the days in which we live . If Freemasonry is so valuable and ol such practical utility , how can we , as Freemasons , promote it ? Many of the prejudices against the system are disarmed ; but prejudice dies

hard . As Masons , we must do all we can individually to show that the attacks made upon the Order are not deserved . I see in this Lodge of Prudence you have a distinctive feature , and without laying down that other lodges should necessarily follow it , yet it is a good thing to see that you , by your action , are showing that fermented liquors are not necessary to your enjoyment ; that you can be happy without them as well as with them . Nobody can take pait

in our lodges without going away a better and a stronger man . On the motion of the VV . M ., seconded by the I . P . M ., a cordial vote of thanks was presented to the Dean of York for his admirable paper . The lodge was then closed , and the brethren retired to refreshment , after which a most happy evening was spent in music , song , and speech .

Instruction.

INSTRUCTION .

DOMATIC LODGE ( No . 177 ) . —The weekly meeting of this loilge was held at the Surrey Masonic Hall , Camberwell New-road , on Tuesday , tlv-. 14 th inst . There were present liros . VI . N . Price , W . M . j Simner , S . W . ; Chapman , J . W . ; Bannister , S . D . ; K . Rowlands , J . D . ; Peat , I . G . ; K . Walden , Sec .: J . Hill , Preceptor ; W . Boys , D . C . ; and a lanre number of brethren . The W . AI . of the Domatie Lodge , his Wardens , and several brethren visited the lodge of instruction working under their warrant to offer their congratulations and take part in the working .

This was the annual visit of the mother lodge to the ludge of instruction , an event happily inaugurated by Bro . Pierepoint when he was the W . M . The members assembled in good numbers to welcome the visitors . It would be a pleasant and good thing if the lodges of instruction were visited by the ollicers of the mother lodges to see the working , and to cement the feelings and sympathies of all the members . The lodge was opened in due form , and the minutes were read and confirmed . The ceremony of installation was rehearsed , Bro .

H . Price being the Installing Master ; Bro . W . Boys Director of Ceremonies ; and Bro . Simner the Installed Master . The ceremony was very correctly and imprcssiveiy rendered by Bro . Price . Bro . Simner appointed and invested his officers and rehearsed the ceremony of initiation , Bro . W . Willes being the candidate . Bro . Bannister was elected W . M . for the | next meeting . The Preceptor proposed , and the Secretary seconded , that a vote of thanks bt

given to the VV . M ., Wardens , and brethren of the Domatie Lodge , and the same to be entered on the minutes . Bro , H . Price n sponded , and expressed the pleasure they had in coming to the lodge , assisting iu the working , ai . d of knowing that the lodge was in good working order , and under such able Preceptors as Bros . Hill , Boys , and Rowlands . He wished them a merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year , Masonic business being ended , the lodge was closed .

KENSINGTON LODGE ( No . 1767 ) . —A meeting was held on the 14 th inst ., at the Courtfield Hotel , Karl ' s Court , S . VV . Present : Bros . Kcene , W . M . ; Rayner , S . W . j Cochrane , J . W . ; Hubbard , Sec ; Davies , S . D . ; Dresden , J . D . ; Heath , l . G . ; VV . C . Williams , P . M ., acting P . eceptor ; * and Aslett . The lodge was opened in due form , aud the minutes of the last

meeting were read and conlirmed . Thc ceremony of initiation was rehearsed , Bro . Aslttt being the candidate , Bro . Dresden havipr : nr . s-. vered the questions leading to the Second Degree was entrust-. •' . Lodge was opened in the Second Degree , and the ccrcm » ny of passing rehearsed . Lodge was resumed . Brj . Rayner was elected W . M . for next meeting , and the ollicers were appointed in rotation . The lodge was then closed ,

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

ALDERSGATE CHAPTER ( No . 1657 ) . —The Dc-ember meeting of the above chapter was held on Monday last at the Albion Tavern , Aldersgate-street , when there were present Comps . Rev . Dr . P . H . E . Brette , P . Z ., acting Al . E . Z ., in the unavoidable absence , through illness , of Comp . Alfred Brookman ; Comps . F . Crockford , H . ; E . Y . Jolliffe , I . ; George Kenning , Treas . ; lohn Larkin .

P . S . ; A . B . Hudson , ist A . S . ; George Rawlinson , 2 nd A . S . ; James Shotter , P . Gaillard , and W . H . Froom . The minutes of the July convocation having been read and confirmed , Comp . Horace Brooks Marshall , Past Grand Treasurer , was unanimously elected Scribe E . The Treasurer announcing his intention to serve a Stewardship on behalf of the Royal Alascnic lienevolent Institution , the

companions voted ten guineas to be placed on his list . A further sum of five guineas was voted to a companion in distress . The chapter was then closed in due form , and the companions dined together , presided over by the genial and

popular P . Z ., Comp . Rev . Dr . P . H . E . Brette . The usual toasts were ably proposed and heartily responded to , Comps , Larkin , Rawlinson , and Shotter adding much to the enjoyment of the evening by their vocal abilities . Much sympathy was expressed with the M . E . Z . on account of his enforced absence through illness .

CAMBRIDGE . —Pythagoras Chapter ( No . 88 ) . —A regular convocation of this chapter was held at the Red Lion Hotel , Petty Cury , on VVednesday , the 15 th inst ., when the chairs of the Principals were ably filled by Comps . Edward Hills , P . Z ., Z . ; B . Chennell , P . Z ., H . ; and J . R . Ling , P . Z ., J . Bros . W . M . B . Vans and A . E . Chaplin , both ofj SS , were elected to the chapter and

exalted . The work of the P . S . was efficiently discharged by Comp . VV . I . Pashler . The Auditors' report was of a satisfactory character . It was agreed to vote five guineas to Comp . A . H . Moyes ' s list for the Benevolent Institution . The Principals installed for the ensuing year were Comps . Chennell , Z . ; E . Hills , H . ; and Ling , J . The following odicers were afterwards invested : —Comps . A . H . Moyes

P . Z ., S . E . ; T . Hunnybun , S . N . ; W . I . Pashler , P . S . ; Charlton , ist A . S . ; O . Papworth , 2 nd A . S . ; G . MacCallum , Treas . ; F . Piggott , D . C . ; and T . Nichols , Steward . It should be stated that the companions appeared in Masonic mourning in memory of the late M . E , the Grand Superintendent , Comp . J . Neal York .

MORTuAiiES . —Messrs . J AMES are in a position to Supply Money to ANY EXTENT on the following Securities : —Landed Estates , Houses , Shops , and Offices , Warehouses and Wharves , Life Interests , & c , Reversions , Borough Rates , & c , at the lowest current rates of interest , Prompt Settlement . 11 , Staple Inn , London , W . C— fA . BVT . *|

Mark Masonry.

Mark Masonry .

BOLTON . —St . John ' s Lodge ( T . L)—The installation meeting of this lodge was held on Thursday , the gth inst ., at the lodge rooms , Commercial Hotel , when the following brethren were present : Bros . John Partington , Prov . S . G . D ., W . AL ; John Kenyon , P . P . S . G . D ., LP . M . ; E . G . Harwood , S . W . ; W . Wadeson , J . VV . ; N . Nicholson , Al . O . ; VV . Court , S . O . ; John Barrett , J . O . ; Thomas Taylor , Reg . ; G . P . Brockbank , I ' reas . ; VV . Coooer .

P . P . S . G . D ., Sec ; Thomas Forrester , Conductor ; R . H . Phillips , S . D . ; Jas . Eckersley , J . D . ; Robt . Jones , l . G . ; and Thos . Nightingale , Stwd . Past Masters George Galloway , Grand Senior Overseer ; Robert Harwood , Past S . G . D . ; J . W . Taylor , Past G . I . G . ; Thomas Alorris , P . P . G . S . B . ; Jas . Horrocks , P . P . G . Std . Br . ; John Harwood , P . P . S . G . D . ; John Alcock , P . PJ . G . D . ; and J . D . Alurray , Past G . Std . Br . ( Hon . Member . ) Visitors :

Bros . VV . Goodacre , W . AL 359 ; Thos . Peake , 142 ; Critchley , Johnson , Morris , 2 , Calderbank , Hindley , F . W . Brockbank , J . VV . Hawksworth , Millner , Green , Holgatc , J . W . Thompson , J . F . Skelton , VV . H . Brown , and E . Gregory . v The minutes of the last regular meeting having been read and confirmed , three candidates were balloted for and appioved , and one being in attendance ( Bro . Sterling ) he

was advanced to the honourable Degree of M . M . M . by Brn . John Kenyon , LP . M ., and Bro . Partington , W . M ., both of whom acquitted themselves in a most creditable manner . The Treasurer called the attention of the brethren to the fact that Bro . George Galloway , an old ' Past Master of the lodge , who was promoted to the rank of Grand Overseer at the annual meeting of the Grand Lodge , had shown his appreciation of the honour conferred upon

him by donating the sum of £ 25 to the Alark Benevolent Fund . Much gratification was expressed at the elevation of Bro . Galloway to his distinguished position , and his liberality was thoroughly appreciated . The promotion of the W . M ., Bro . Partington , to the office of Prov . Grand Deacon was also noted , and the VV . M . was warmly congratulated by the brethren on his advancement to olfice in the Order . The Treasurer also announced that the following brethren

had desired him to forward their names as willing to serve as Stewards on the occasion of the next Festival of the Mark Benevolent Fund : Bros . John Kenyon , I . P . M . ; E . G . Harwood , W . AL ; and J . Barrett , 5 . 0 . The balance sheet for the past year , duly audited , was presented and adopted . A Board of Installed Masters was then formed , and Bro . Ebenezer Green Harwood , S . W ., and VV . M . elect , was presented to the W . M ., Bro . Partington . The charge to

the W . M ., Wardens , Overseers , and brethren was most ably delivered b y Bro . John Kenyon , who , along with the other brethren who had taken parfin the ceremonial , were highly commended for the manner in which they had discharged the duties alloted to them . The W . M . then proceeded to invest the following brethren as his oflicers for the ensuing year : Bros . John Partington , P . S . G . D ., I . P . M . ; William Wadeson , S . W . ; N . NicholsonJ . W . ;

, W . Court , M . O . ; John Barrett , S . O . ; Thomas Forrester , J . O . ; G . P . Brockbank , P . G . W ., Treasurer ; William Cooper , P . P . S . G . D ., P . M ., Secretary ; R . H . Phillips , Conductor ; James Eckersley , S . D . ; Robert Jones , J . D . ; Thomas Naylor , Reg . of Mks . ; John Alcock , P . P . S . G . D ., P . AL , D . of C . ; Thomas Nightingale , Time Keeper ; J . W . Hawksworth and W . H . Brown , Stwds . ; Rob Johnson , Org . ; and Thomas Higson , Tyler . The

lodge was then closed . This celebration festival has been one of the most successful for many years . The personal popularity of the W . M . elect , who is now for thc third time ex-Mayor of Bolton , he having , for two years previously to the appointment of his successor , served the important and dignified position of Mayor , caused a large attendance of brethren , anxious to do him honour on the occasion of his accession

to the chair of A . j and several veterans in the Order , who do not usually take a prominent part now in lodge meetings , appeared again to compliment the new Master . The proceedings were very harmonious throughout , and the announcement of the Treasurer that three brethren had agreed to act as Stewards at the Mark Festival was warmly greeted by the brethren . The presence of five Present or Past Grand Officers on the occasion , with many provincial dignitaries , evinced the interest taken in the proceedings ,

and should be very gratifying to Bro . Harwood , who exerted himself to theutmost to make the meeting a thorough success . The efforts of Bro . Kenyon to revive the interest of the brethren of this venerable lodge have been greatly valued by the brethren , and this successful gathering must have been very satisfactory , as showing due appreciation of his ;! abnurs . All the ofiicers were thoroughly up to their work , and the most perfect harmony prevailed . The usual banquet followed .

FOREST OF DEAN—Royal Forest of Dean Lodge ( No . 340 ) . —An emergency meeting was held on Thursday , the 16 th instant , at the Speech House , when there were present Bros . J . Shaw Carleton , W . M . ; Harry Clark , S . W . ; AL F . Carter , J . W . ; J . S . Bradstock , M . O . ; S . J . Thomas , S . O . ; T . H . Curwen , J . O . ; F . Asgill , Sec . ; A . Stephens , acting I . G . ; Rev . Dr . Lynes , I . P . AL , Prov . J . G . W . ; W . C Hiam , P . P .

J . G . W . ; T . R . Oakley , and G . H . R . Holden . The lodge was opened and Bros . T . R . Oakley and G . H . R . Holden were advanced to the honourable Degree of M . M . M ., the ceremony being performed by the W . M . Bro . M . F . Carter , J . VV ., was elected a Steward to represent the lodge at the Festival of the next Mark Benevolent Fund , and the W . M . a representative of the lodge to serve on the Charity Committee of the Province . The brethren then adjourned to the banqueting room and spent a pleasant evening .

The warrant for the new Savage Club Lodge has been granted . It will be numbered No . 2109 , and the principal officers designate are Bros . Sir F . Wyatt Truscott , W . AL ; Sir J . R . Somers-Vine , S . W . ; and Thomas Catling , J . W . The lodge has encouragement at the outset of its career in the fact lhat H . R . H . the Prince of Wales ,

who is an honorary member of the Savage Club , has consented to be elected the first honorary member of the lodge . TOBACCONISTS COMMENCINO . —An Illustrated Guide of no pages "How to open respectably from diia to JC 2000 ; " three stamps . H . Myers & Co ., 109 , Euston-rd ., London . Telephone No . lut , — [ ADVT , ] "