Rosicrucian Society Of England.

"Nequaquam Vacuum , " "Legis Jugum , " "Libertas Evangelii , " " Dei Gloria Intacta . " The panels of the walls formed closets , in which were deposited learned books , magic looking-glasses , little bells , burning lamps , & c Under the brass altar they found the body of their founder " whole and unconsumed , " in his hand holding a parchment called " T , " next to the Bible the greatest treasure

of the Society . There were also the names of members of the Society engraved , and other valuables . After the relation of this wondeiful story , which rather reminds one of the legend of Michael Scott , the Scotch Wizard , and his tomb at Melrose , the author of the book goes on to give a particular account ol the creed of the Society which would seem to have been what was known as the reformed

faith . The Pope was very distasteful to them , and freedom of worship was evidently one of the points insisted upon . This work was followed by others giving further details of the Society . It is impossible in merely giving a short account of this clever story to convey the singularly attractive style of the romance , but its effect upon the Society of the time was most marvellous . Everybody was

seized with an intense desire to join this wonderful Secret Society with such a singular history . People made every effort to ascertain the actual abode of the fratres , and the locality of the House of the Holy Spirit , but , of course , without success . Numbers of dishonest persons took advantage of the excitement to declare themselves Rosicrucians , and extorted money by false pretences from

peoplewho were troubled byan indistinct dread of mysterious and occult powers , weilded by irresponsible and unknown persons . Other individuals paid money to sharpers who pretended to admit them into the ranks of the pseudo-Society . There is , however , one suspicious circumstance overhanging the whole thing , and that is that no one ever is actually known to have succeeded in gaining admission

to the Society , its House was never identified , and no one was ever proved to have been a member of it . It is almost certain that John Valentine Andrea was the aulhorof these works . He was an highly educated man , and seems to have had a notion of reforming the Society of his time . Possibly he may have really intended to found a Society on secret lines , and no one can positively say that he did not actually succeed

in doing so . Of course , secret societies did exist in those days , as in previous and later years , and the legend of C . R . C . may have been that of Andrea ' s secret society , just as that of Hiram forms the text of the Masonic brotherhood . I think the fact that men of light and leading of their own day , such as Robert Flood and Thomas Vaughan , claimed to be members of the Rosicrucian Society , is a

considerable argument in favour of the actual existence of some such Fraternity , and neither the extravagances of some writers , nor the denials and abuse of others prove that no Rosicrucian Brotherhood ever existed . It seems , indeed , not improbable that a band of early religious reformers were linked together in some secret manner , and that the reformation in Germany was the

outcome of such a body . As late as the early part of the iSth century we find men still claiming to belong to the Rosicrucian Society , but after that period allusions of the kind cease to be found , so we may presume that at all events after that date no such system ex ' sterl . In a book lately published by Mr . Arthur Waite , that writer gives what he calls the " Real History cf the Rosicrucians . "

He prints many of their leading statements , and manift sloes and arrives at the conclusion that the whole theory was an absolute myth . I do not think he is quita justified in his conclusions . At any rate there is a good deal to be said in favour of an opposite view . The investigation of such a subject should be approached , I think , like that of the "Early History of Freemasonry , " in not too critical a spirit

and certain allowances must b .- made for the temper of the times and the exuberant imagery which we all know characterised the writing of men of science of those days . We pride ourselves in this era upon our practical ideas , and it is usual to accept nothing unless chapter and verse can be given in proof , but if some license be not granted in the consideration of such a subject as the one before us ,

the chance of arriving at any just conclusion seems very hopeless . But although we bear the name of the society that has bequeathed such a crux to later dryasdusts , there is no mystery about our objects , whilst our substantial existence is beyond question . VVe make no pretentions to magical knowledge , nor , as far as I am aware , do we propose to reform the world in general ,

although the reformation of the Masonic world may be within our scope , and offers to us a tempting field . Indeed , I am by no means sure that the latter-day Rosicrucian Society , and particulary this branch of it , over which I have the pleasure to preside , has not already done some work in this direction . It is a recognised fact in Masonic circles , that the Masonic Exhibition , held under the

auspices of this college some few years ago in York was the parent of several other Exhibitions got up in England in connection with Masonic lodges and provinces , and by means of which a great amount of interest has been excited in Masonic archasology , and valuable documents have been brought to light , whilst the reading of Masonic papers at lodge meetings has marvellously increased since the

publication of essays read hy members of this college has called the attention of Masons to an interesting , ihough long neglected , practise of the Masonic Fraternity . It reall y matters very little to us or to anybody whether the story of Andrea has any particle of truth in it or not . He startled the world by a very pretty romance , and we have adopted the designation that he gave to his dreamy Society . Some modern

Masons are offended by our assumption of Ihe title , and great opprobrium has been heaped upon us from one or two quarters , happily from sources more or less ( chiefly more ) contemptible . Judging , however , from the style of men by whom I have the happiness to see myself surrounded it does not appear that any amount of ill-conditioned abuse has had other effect upon us than to strengthen our hands , and to draw under

together a common bond of union and intelligence many of the best informed and most active Freemasons in this part of the world . We have done good and useful work in the past , and I see no reason to doubt that the York College will continue the same career of prosperity that has marked its progress during its nearly nine years of existence . If no other objtctwere gained by should

our quarterly meetings , I regard them as extremely valuable , simply as periodical Masonic rallying points affording as they do opportunities for leading brethren from various Masonic centres to meet and to exchange ideas on subjects connected with the various branches of the Craft that is so dear to all our hearts . To me it is ever a pleasure ( o look forward to , and to be present at , these gatherings ,

Rosicrucian Society Of England.

and I always feel that I have learned something mare after each meeting of this college . That we may all be spared to meet one another for many years in all fraternal good will , and with a sincere desire to help and enlighten one another , is my earnest wish , and I trust that the same kind feeling that lias hitherto bound us together will be strengthened and extended , so that we may draw into our circle

an increasing number of working brethren of the right sort , whose friendship and fellowship we may prize , and who will aid us in the great work of our Order as indicated in our ceremonial— " Peace on earth , goodwill to men . " Fra . Macbean then read a series of interesting notes , in the course of which he criticised Waites' work on the Rosicrucians , and claimed that the writer , not being a member

of the Order , could not possibly be in a position to speak authoritatively on the subject . Votes of thanks were passed to the Chief Adept and to Fra . Macbean for their addresses . It was decided that in future the Auditors should be elected at the November meeting . Votes of thanks were passed to Fras . Atherton , Monckman , and Althorpe for

their admirable arrangements , and to the Harmony Lodge for the use of the rooms . The question cf the next place of summer meeting was left to the Chief Adept and Celebrant , but there seemed to be a general feeling in favour of Whitby . The M . C . was then dissolved , and the fratres met at high tea , and enjoyed two or three hours of social Masonic converse .

Ireland.

Ireland .

MASONIC FEMALE ORPHAN SCHOOL DISTRIBUTION OF PRIZES . On Saturday evening , 12 th inst ., the annual distribution of prizes to the 7 6 children attending the Masonic Female Orphan School , Merrion-road , Dublin , took place in the Leinster Hall . It was a celebration of the 9 6 th anniversary of an institution having peculiar claims on every member of the Order , for it is a home for the children of

deceased brethren , and its primary claim to consideration and support cannot be gainsaid . The ceremonial was fraught with more than usual interest , inasmuch as the prizes were distributed by her Grace the Duchess of Abercorn , while his Grace the Duke of Abercorn presided , and beside them on the dais were the two children of the Lord Lieutenant , the youthful Lord Castlereagh and his sister

Lady Helen Stewart , who evoked a ringing cheer by presenting an exquisite bouquet to one of the orphan children , who presented an unusually good record for every Christian virtue . It was a gratifying and pleasing incident . The handsome decorations of the hall for the ball on the preceding night remained , and the aspect of the place was brilliant with colour and light . The assemblage was a vast

one , and the members of the Order all wore their insignia and decorations . The band of the 4 th Dragoon Guards was stationed in the annexe , which was also lighted and decorated , and the band of the Liverpool Regiment in the hall itself at the rear of the platform . Tin ladies assembled in such force as to suggest a strong suspicion that there would be dancing , and , indeed , there was a considerable amount of it at the close of the ceremonial .

At a quarter to eight o'clock the brethren expected to occupy places on the platform assembled in the ante-room , and a procession having been formed , proceeded to the Grand Hall . The Grand Master was saluted according to ancient usage , and verses of the Hundredth Paslm were sung , ail present joining . A selection of vocal and instrumental music was then given . Her Grace the Duchess of Abercorn then distributed thc

prizes . Considerable amusement was caused as each little girl the recipient of a prize turned round and bowed to the audience . Lord Justice Fitzgibbon , who has ever taken the deepest interest in the success of the Schools , was present and assisted in the distribution of the prizes . Bros . James M'Cortnell , Godfrey , N . Furgeson , Lyons , and Major Thompson attended from Belfast . The

Institution has claims on the brethren in Belfast , as there are several Belfast girls in it . Lady Helen Stewart , daughter of the Lord Lieutenant , presented Miss Jane Black , one of the pupils , with a beautiful bouquet . The DEPUTY GRAND MASTER ( Bro . R . W . Shekleton , Q . C ) , said the young lady ( Miss Jane Black ) , who had

been presented with the bouquet by Lady Helen Stewart , had , during her time in the School , been awarded premiums amounting to £ 24 or £ 25 . Some of the girls , instead of taking prizes in books , had prudently taken the value in money , and invested it the Post Office Savings Bank , and the result was that when leaving the School they would have a considerable sum , which would be a substantial

assistance to them in furthering their education , or otherwise qualifying themselves in any way that might be best suited to their talents or capabilities . Bro . GRAVES S . EVES ( Hon Secretaiy ) , moved a vote of thanks to her Grace the Duchess of Abercorn for attending to distribute the prizes , and to his Grace their Grand Master for presiding on so auspicious an occcasion .

The Deputy Grand Master , Bro . SHEKELTON , Q . C , seconded ihe vote of thanks . It was not the first timeand he hoped it would not be the last—that her Grace would be welcomed by the Masons cf Ireland to distribute the prizes to the children of the Masonic Schools . Although that was the first occasion at which her Grace attended at so interesting a ceremonial in the Leinster Hall he could assure

the brethren that she took the deepest interest in the Masonic Schools , and had visited them on more than one occasion . His Grace the Duke of Abercorn , their Grand Master , took an equal interest in those Schools . His Grace had the privilege of being selected by the Freemasons of Ireland as their Grand Master , and he had evinced a deep and abiding interest in everything which concerned the

welfare of the Order , and he was amongst them on every occasion when required to aid and encourage them in their noble work of Charity and usefulness . The Duchess and his Grace were present that evening at considerable inconvenience , and they were therefore eminently deserving of the

gratitude and thanks of the members of the Order . His Grace the Duke of ABERCORN , Grand Master said : Brethren , ladies and gentlemen , we have met here this evening [ or the purpose of receiving the report concerning these interesting Schools and participating in the pleasure afforded by witnessing the distribution of prizes to the girls

Ireland.

attending them . Therefore , it 15 not necessary that t should trouble you with a speech j but on behalf 0 f th Duchess and myself I thank you extremely for the vote 1 thanks so cordially given us by this vast assemblage 1 need not say , ladies and gentlemen , that it has lfeen source of much pleasure to her Grace to have the piivileir * of being present this evening , and presenting the prizes f *

the successful scholars of the Masonic Orphan GirV School , and I am sure that pleasure is shared in by everv one in this room . It mnst necessarily be a source of gra [ T fication and pleasure to everyone interested in Masonrv " not only here in this city , but throughout Ireland , to knoi what care and attention are bestowed on the children at tending the Masonic Schools . They had an opportunity

that evening or ascertaining the character ot the instruc tion given the children , and the efforts made to render them accomplished and educated , and it was manifest and gratifying that the efforts of their teachers were successful ln my mind too much praise cannot be bestowed on thos « who manage this Institution , and on those whohaveunder * taken the education of the young children confided to their

care . We have not had this evening an opportunit y oi seeing the boys of the Masonic School before us as Masonic honours are always in the first instance conferred on the fair sex , and we think it only right on thioccasion that the little girls should have it all to themselves and more especially because it is thc desire of those connected with the Boys' School that they should have a

special day of their own in their new School , and that at no distant perion . They had had an opportunit y of learning something of the instruction imparted to ihe girls , and the attention paid to music , vocal and instrumental j but a still greater pleasure , I entertain no doubt awaits 113 in witnessing their calisthenic exercises , showing that not alone is the development of the mind attended to

by their teachers , but also their deportment and grace of movement . Before concluding I would desire to impress this on every Mason and friend of Masonry , rut alone present , but throughout Ireland , that , while this School is most flourishing , yet , at the same time , it is also greatly in want of additional funds j that if additional funds were provided its usefulness could be extended ; and that , while

on this ninety-six . h Anniversary they had seventy-six female orphans in the School , yet that when the 100 th Anniversary comes round , that by the care , example , and liberality of all good Masons , there will be , at lea ^ t , over 100 children in the Institution . On behalf of the Duchess and myself , I have great pleasure in returning our best

thanks for the kind manner in which we have been greeted here to-night . The children , to the number of seventy six , were then put through a series of calisthenic exercises and marching . They evidenced the most careful training , and by their graceful deportment elicited the admiration of all present ,

The DEPUTY GRAND MASTER briefly referred to the financial condition ot the Institution . A very considerable sum , no doubt , had been realised by the bazaar , and the fund had accomplished much good . But they were in need of increased funds , and he ventuied to think they mi , { ht appeal to the joyous and happy appearance of the children there that evening to prove that the Governors of the School

had endeavoured to the utmost of their ability to discharge the heritage left ihem by their deceased brethren in providing Kr their orphans . All the children in the School had lost their fathers , and many their mothers , but so far as human effect could prevent , the children were not left friendless , but found a happy home in the Masonic School . They were instructed and educated to fit them for any

position . Many of them had attained distinctions in the Koyal University in the intermediate examinations and educa ^ tional institutions . The Masonic Female O . phan School had been in existence for the past 9 6 years , and surely it was an Institution of which every Mason had aright to feel proud . It was , however , dependent on the voluntary subscriptions of the brethren , and it was a matter of regret ,

having regard to the number of brethren of the Order , that the subscriptions were not more numerous . If the enormous number of Masons in the country merely subscribed half-a-crown a year it would afford funds sufficient to enable them to receive a larger number of children j and he would appeal to the ladies present to induce all their Masonic

friends to subscribe more freely to enable them to receive every applicant for admission . If the ladies would excrl themselves in this direction they would soon be enabbd to extend the usefulness of the Institution . He thanked all present for the cordial manner in which they had greeted the children .

His Grace the DUKE of ABERCORN : I am convinced all present have been pleased with the calisthenic exercises which Ihey have witnessed , and you will , I entertain no doubt , agree with me when I say we ought to pass a cordia vote of thanks to the Matron , Mrs . Neill j to the . T teacher , Miss Drake j and the governesses engaged in tne instruction of the children . Nothing could exceed tne

care and attention which the Matron and the other ladies bestowed on the children committed to their charge . > therefore , ask you to give with acclamation your co'cU thanks to the Matron and thesevetal teachers of the . C , ' tution . The audience responded with enthusiastic appl » '

The ceremonial having concluded , the bands P J ' some excellent dance music , and the votaries of terpsicn 0 were enabled to enjoy themselves until half-past eie o ' clock , when the National Anthem announced that 1 time for departure had arrived ,, a most agreeable even having been spent .

The funeral of the late Bro . Vice-Admiral Si ' W . N . Hewett , V . C , K . C . B ., took place at P ° fX on the 17 th inst ., the arrangements under Bro . Aura ^ Sir George Willes having been carried out in sui : manner as tn rpndpr the . mnumlnl namsnnf" as impOS'Fo ..

possible . The coffin , containing the remains of . deceased officer , was borne on a gun-carriage and co ^ with the Union Jack . The route was lined by troops , & battalions of infantry , marines , and sailors , headed ¦ ' ^ detachment of the Scots Greys , formed the escort . » B ships in the harbour and the Government estabns' ^ had their colours half-mast high , and when the , A orig the grave was over , the usual vollies were fired . . jin tti ^ ea n ,. ,- < . ni- ... D ^« u .. ~ AJ ~ : _„ c :- Willes . ** lr J ... tiu 1 iacii ( weie nuilllldl oil \

.-,. p .. . ULU . J . " ' pepntinii Cowell , representing the Oueen , Col . Colville , P . i l , fc ) rd , the Duke of Edinburgh , and Bro . Lord Charles Beres R . N ., M . P . Bro . General Lord Wolseley te ' ° " ^ he regretting his inability , owing to his official duties- * War Office , to be present .