The Onward Movement Of Freemasonry.

amidst exalted patronage and numerical development , amid all that tends to popularise or to attract or to raise our Order in the opinion of the world , let us never forget that Freemasonry

in its universal and cosmopolitan character , presents to many of us all a very great and attractive feature , and one which alike commends itself to oar minds and consciences , our unchanging sentiments , and our active sympathies .

The Board Of Benevolence.

THE BOARD OF BENEVOLENCE .

We feel bound to call special attention to the last report of this most valuable and working organisation of ours , to its active labours , to its great utility . Each succeeding meeting only serves to show how important and how needful it is , how creditable to our Order , how helpful to

those who stand in actual want of it . It seems to us to be Masonic charity in active exercizes ! For the reports all testify , and our last report especially , that there is at the present a very large demand for aid on our funds , and on the Lodge of Benevolence . Many of the cases we

are assured , are very sad ones , indeed , even " heartrending , " and the relief administered is alike truly required and gratefully received ! It almost would appear from recent facts , and our monthly reports , that there is , so to say , a great " substratum" of poverty in Freemasonry .

Whence does it come ? How is it there ? It may be difficult to account , perhaps , for it at first , just as it is to explain the presence of " flies in amber , " as we remember hearing Mr . D'Israeli say many many years ago , but still the fact is before us , and seems to be a fact beyond any

reasonable doubt . Why or whence , we repeat does it come ? We make bold to say , through the fault mainly of our lodges , and of the Order ! It is quite clear that for some time , the admission of new members has been far too lax ; that is to say , we have admitted those who came with

their fees in their hand , and have made our motto " carpe diem . " We have not " thought of the morrow , " nor looked on to the future ? " Hence we have admitted confessedly many who ought never to have been admitted at all ; we have " sown to the wind , " and we shall probably

" reap the whirlwind . ' We must not shut our eyes to this distinct reality , that there is coming upon us a strain alike on our resources and our very system . This very great material prosperity of ours has its concomitant evil in a too rapid increase of brethren , since a large number

are admitted to our privileges who look for the benefits and will eventually claim the charity of Freemasonry . But then , on the other hand , we must not take too gloomy a view of things . Our resources are still ample and increasing , and the prosperity of the Order seems , so to say , daily

to augment . We have not a right to grudge the "Dole" of Masonic benevolence to all who really require it , and we are to find in our working out of the active principle of charity , as well our highest happiness , as our bounden duty . In nothing does our good old Order so shine , as

in that incessant and liberal distribution of pecuniary " succour to those who claim its fostering hand , or implore its beneficent aid . While , then , we carefully watch over the " outgoings" of our Masonic benevolence , which are just now very large indeed , while we

seek to discountenance and deprecate any mistaken but somewhat popular view , that Freemasonry is to be sought for as well for what it gives , as for what it is , let us pride ourselves on the fact , that with some imperfection of details , common to all earthly institutions , Freemasonry m our own country , as in many others , is still month b

y month , so to say , zealously employed in pouring into the wounds of our afflicted brethren the oil and wine of benign charity , in succouring old age , in soothing calamity , in pitying misfortune , in sympathizing with the sorrows of our mortal lot , in cheering the homes of the destitute and m causing the " widow ' s heart to sin « for joy . <»

The Wilson Ms. Constitution.

THE WILSON MS . CONSTITUTION .

omtn of r Vetr ° this much desiderated Ms - is a happy what „ .,. UItner archaeological discovery , as it shows * nat patience and perseverance will do .

The Wilson Ms. Constitution.

It occurred to me some time back that in order to trace it I had better ascertain if it still existed , and if Mr . Wilson of Broomhead , in whose possession it was said to be , was a " vera persona , " as too many " tricks upon travellers " have been played on Masonic students . The first reference to the M . S . alluded to occurs in Preston and Hutchinson about loo years ago , as far as I know , and many

changes might have taken place since then . No previous enquiry seems to have been made about it , though it has been mentioned more than once in the archajological discussions of later years , and is also alluded to by Bro . Hughan and myself , in the collection ef the Constitutions which he edited some time back . My obliging Bro . S . B . Ellis of Sheffield , a Masonic

student , at my request placed himself in communication with Bro . Nixon , who was acquainted with Mr . Wilson , the present owner of Broomhead , and descendant of the Mr . Wilson mentioned by Preston , and it was ascertained from Mr . Wilson , who wrote in the kindest manner , that the Wilson MSS . had been sold to Sir Thomas Phillips , the well-known collector of MSS ., and

Mr . Wilson believed that some of them had been resold or given to the Bodleian Library . On enquiry it moreover soon became apparent that such was not the case , and that the MS . remained still in the possession oi the relative to whom they had been left by Sir Thomas Phillips . Luckily , a previous friendly acquaintance gave me , so to say , a special facility of access , and I found to

my great delight that the MS . still exists " in vellum , " is , its owner says , of the 17 th century ( the real date has to be ascertained , as a vellum MS . of the 17 th century is somewhat rare ) . He has most kindly permitted me to have it copTed , and it will appear in the " Masonic Magazine " for April . Until of course it has been seen and looked over carefully , and collated with others , no one can know or say anything as to its real date , or whether Preston ' s

statement of its age will turn out to be correct or not . It is just possible that Preston , who was not an " expert" in MSS ., if he saw it , might not write critically or correctly on the subject , and probably took his facts on the assertions of others ; but every endeavour vill be made in the interests of historical truth and accuracy to ascertain if possible its , at any rate , approximate date . It is , however , a fresh Constitution unearthed , and I think may lead to others being discovered . A . F . A . WOODFORD .

Original Correspondence.

Original Correspondence .

[ We do net hold ourselves responj-ible for , or even as approving of thc opinions expressed liy our correspondents , but wc wish , in a spirit of fair play to all , to permit—within certain necessary limits—free discussion . —Eu . l

WELCOME OF OUR GRAND MASTER , To the Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — lam indeed pleased to sec this question " mooted , " by our worthy brother " An old English Mason . " I think with him , that something on a grand scale should be done

by the entire Craft of England—such as a meeting , say , at thc Crystal Palace , which is far easier of access , than the Alexandra Palace . The train service to the latter is not yet perfect . I would suggest that the tickets be half-a-guinea , a profit of 5 s . on each ticket to go to our charities . We might

expect 10 , 000 ( min . no . ) ; , that would give a goodly sum of £ 2500 . I also would suggest that our fair sisters be admitted , as we all must admit that they are . largely endowed with charity . '""'

I earnestly hope Grand Lodge will take up this question and bring it to a glorious issue . I also beg the brethren to state their views through the columns of the " Freemason . "—I am , dear Sir , and brother , yours fraternally , A YOUNG M . M ., No . 72 .

To the Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — I quite endorse the sentiments expressed by " An Old-English Mason " and Bro . E . J . Walford as to giving our Grand Master a ri ght royal welcome on his return to his native country , and hope the matter will be taken up by the proper authorities , and put in motion at once . Yours fraternally , S . PICOTT ,

W . M . St . John's , 328 . To the Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — I see with pleasure in your impression of Feb . 19 th proposals to celebrate Masonically the return home of our M . W . G . M .. H . R . H . the Prince of Wales ; in my

ipinion the idea is one of great value . We have already had one of the most imposing Masonic ceremonials of modern time , on the accession of our M . W . G . M to the throne of the Order . We can now do something to prove I" the world that we practice our great watchword charity , find this by bringing our three noble institutions to the

front . I should have been inclined to have recommended a united anniversary of our three charities as the method of welcoming home our M . W . G . M ., but one of these anni-1 ersaries has already been held , and the matter might ¦ ave been difficult to arrange . But might we not hold ' A Grand Masonic Fete " at one of our great central

Original Correspondence.

places of resort ( such as the Palaces of Sydenham and Muswell Hill , the Agricultural Hall , Islington , or the Westminster Aquarium ) , with special attractions the proceeds , a ter paying all expenses , to be divided a mong the three several institutions ; arrangements might be made to entertain the whole of the Boys' and Girls' Schools , together with the widows and aged , and to present them to their

Royal Patron . An address of welcome and congratulation might be presented , and perhaps a grand banquet held , but these are matters of detail that had better be left in the hands of our excellent brethren , Sir A . Woods and T . Fenn . By having such a fete as this , the ladies who have done so much for our charities , the wives and daughters of

Masonry , could also partake in the general joy , and while S-J gratifying themselves , would feel that they were one and all assisting in the cause of chaiity , and helping to cheer the aged , the widow , and the orphan in their distress .

I am , Sir and brother , yours fraternally , GEO . R . HAIUIIOTT , Prov . G . M . Wigtown and Kirkcudbright ( Scottish Constitution ) , late M . M Castle Lodge of Harmony No . 26 ( E . C . ) 4 , Howard-place , St . Andrews , Fife , Feb . 21 st , 1876 .

ELECTION OF PROV . G . OFFICERS . To the Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — I know a brother , a professional man for nearly forty years , and a Mason of the same standing , who is the oldest Mason and the oldest P . M . of his lodge , and who is at the present time the W . M . of a Mark lodge , and M . E . Z .

of a chapter of Rwyal Arch Masons , and who was some years since mainly instrumental in keeping his Craft lodge from going to the ground , and for all this he was never offered a chair in the Grand Lodge of this province , and some seven or eight younger brethren of his lodge had been appointed over him , and when this old and esteemed brother some short time since wrote to the P . G . M . very

politely , and told him what I have just written , and asked him how he selected his P . G . Officers , he was very curtly told that no one had a right to ask him , but the Grand Master ; and thus the matter at present stands . Will you , or some experienced brother , kindly tell me how P . G . Officers are appointed in other provinces , and

what steps you would advise my negUcted brother to adopt under the above circumstances ? I am , dear Sir and Brother , yours lery fraternally , A LOVER OF J USTICE . [ The appointment of all Provincial Officers rests with the P . G . Master , except the P . G . Treasurer . —E : > . ]

MASTER MASONS' JEWELS . To the Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — I hardly like to put up my very humble opinion in opposition to yours ; nevertheless , I should like to be allowed to give my reasons for dissenting from the editorial note which is appended to a letter of " A Master Mason "

in the " Freemason " of the 12 th inst . " A Master Mason " asks if a jewel consisting of the square and compasses is one which a Master Mason may correctly append to his breast ; also whether there is the same doubt attached to the jewel of the " square and compasses " as to the " five-pointed star . " In a note at the end of the letter you write that , in

your humble opinion , according to the Book of Constitutions , a jewel appertaining to the Master Mason Degree can lawfully be worn in lodge . " Now it is my very "humble opinion" that although there is no authority for the wearing of a " five-pointed star " by

Master Masons , and it is therefore doubtful whether it is " correct , " yet , inasmuch as no competent Masonic authority that I am aware of has yet decided that it is " incorrect , " Master Masons aspiring to the wearing of doubtful decorations may be " winked at" for wearing the " five-pointed star . ''

But with regard to the wearing of a jewel consisting of the " square and [ compasses , " this is a matter which in my very humble opinion does not admit of a doubt . For that is the jewel which acccrdin g to the Book of Constitutions ( page 1 IQ , also plate 2 ) is appropriated to the Past Deputy Grand Master of England , and therefore I maintain that it is thoroughly " incorrect" and

Masonirally illegal for any one except a Past Deputy Grand Master of England to wear such a jewel . I well remember when a young Mason visiting the Emulation Lodge of Improvement for the first time , just eighteen years ago , with a jewel consisting of " crystal square and compasses" appended to my breast , and my being ironically asked by dear old Bro . Pike ( since gone to

his rest ) if I was Lord Panmure , " as he was the only person entitled to wear such a jewel . " This dict' -m was confirmed by Bro . Stephen Barton Wilson ( then Sc .-rttaiy of the lodge ) and other brethren present , including , I think , the present Grand Secretary ; and I was then politely requested to divest myself of the illegal jewel in the face of the assembled brethren , a proceeding which made

a deep impression upon my youthful mind , as even then I prided myself upon being very correct in my " clothing " 11 s well as in my " work . " So when I got home that night I rushed to my Book of Constitutions , and there ascertained for myself that I had been rightly convicted of the ( Masonic ) crime of wearing an illegal jewel . Ever since then whenever I have been in the chair of a

lodge and espied a " square and compasses " jewel , I have quietly requested the brother wearing it to remove it . I enclose my card , and beg to remain , dear Sir and brother , Yours fraternalU , A PASV MASTER . Feb . 16 th , 1876 .