Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Scotland.
SCOTLAND .
o GLASGOW .. NEW WESTERN INFIRMARY . The foundation-stone of the Western Infirmary , erecting in the neighbourhood ofthe new University Buildings , was laid on Thursday , the 17 th inst ., with Masonic honours . The General Committee of the new Infirmary assembled at two o ' clock in
the Lower Hall of the Queen ' s Rooms , where they met the magistrates and Councillors ot Glasgow and others invited to take part in the ceremonial . At the same time the Provincial Grand Lodge was opened in the Upper Hall . The Masonic and Other bodies were afterwards formed into
procession , and marched to the site of the foundationstone through ths West-End Park , across the Kelvin Bridge , and past the front of the University , where they were joined by the Principal and Professors , Sheriff Bell , and Mr . Dalglish , M . P . ( Chairman of the Western Infirmary General Committee ) . The
weather was brilliant , and there was a large concourse of persons at the Queen ' s Rooms , and along the line of route , but especially in the vicinity of the new Infirmary , where spacious platforms were erected , over three entrances to which arches of evergreens were raised , the central and principal
one decorated with flags , bannerets , and devices . Chief-Constable M'Call was Grand Marshal for the civic portion , and Mr . Robert Robb , Provincial Grand Marshal , for the Masonic portion of the procession , which arrived at the site in nearly the following order : —Band of music , Chief Constable
Officers of Police , Town Officers with halberts , the Lord Provost and Magistrates , followed by the Town Council ; Judicial and Civil Officers of the Corporation , the Deacons of Trades' Incorporations , Officers of Police , Sheriff of the County , Members of Parliament and Military Officers ,
Justices ofthe Peace , Officers of Police , the Chairman and Members of the Western Infirmary Committee and Subscribers , Inspector of Works and Contractors , the Principal and Professors of the University , tlie President and Fellows of Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons , Glasgow ; Officers of
Police ; Masonic Lodges ( junior in front ) , Band of music , the Provincial Grand Lodge , Officers of Police . The Principal and Professors and the President and Fellows of the Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons appeared in their official robes . The fallowing were the officers of thc Provincial Grand
Lodge who were present : —Bros . W . Montgomerie Neilson , P . G . Master ; F . A . Barrow , D . P . G . M . ; Jas . Steel , S . P . G . M . ; David Kingdom , P . G . S . W . ; Jas . Wallace , P . G . J . W . ; Arch . M'Taggart , P . G . Sec ; Thos . Ilalket , Acting P . G . S . D . ; George M'Donald , Acting P . G . J . D . ; T . Granger , Acting
P . G . B . Bearer ; James Leith , P . G . D . C ; Robert Robb . P . G . Marshall ; James Gentles , P . G . S . 15 . ; John Burnett , Acting P . G . Architect ; John Fraser , P . G . Clerk ; James Balfron . P . G . Inner Guard ; James Pollock , P . G . Tyler ; James Cruickshanks , P . P . G . D . M . ; andWm . Gilmour , D . P . G . M . ofthe
Middle Ward of Lanarkshire , who was supported by thc S . W ., J . W ., B . B ., and S . D . The working tools were carried by members of St . John ' s Lodge , No . $% . The following lodges were represented : — No . o , Mother Kilwinning ; No . 7 , Kilwinning Hamilton ; No . 13 , Torphichen ; No . 28 ,
Kirkintilloch ; No . 30 , St . Mary ' s Coltncss ; No . 114 Cambuslang R . A . ; No . 224 , St . Innocents Cullen ; , No . 233 , Hamilton St . Andrews ; No . 244 , Ardrossan ; No . 335 , Dunoon Argyle ; No . 427 , St . Clair Cambusnethan ; No . 116 , Ruthcrglcn R . A . ; No . 458 , Busby St . John's ; and the whole of the Glasgow lodges with the exception of one .
The proceedings having been opened with prayer by the Rev . Dr . Jamieson , Mr . Dalglish , M . P ., presented thc P . G . Master ( Bro . Neilson ) , by whom the foundation-stone was to be laid , with an ' elcgant silver trowel , bearing thc following inscription :- — " Presented to Wm . Montgomerie Neilson , Esq .,
of Quccnshill , Provincial Grand Master of Glasgow , on the occasion of his laying the foundation-stone of thc Glasgow Western Infirmary , on thc 17 th day of August , 1871 . " At the point of thc trowel there is engraved the P . G . M . ' s Masonic jewel ; there are also engraved on the trowel the crest and
motto of the recipient , the arms of Glasgow , and the University arms . The P . G . Master having accepted thc trowel , the stone was laid in due accordance with the laws of Masonry , and the completion of the ceremony was signalised by rounds of hearty cheers . A glass
bottle , containing several documents , coins , & c , was placed in a receptacle under the stone . The bottle was covered with a brass plate bearing a suitable inscription . At the conclusion of the ceremony ,
P . G . Master Neilson said : Brother Freemasons , —We have done a good work to-day in laying the foundation-stone of this building with Masonic honours , according to our ancient rites and ceremonies . Within these walls , when coped and roofed , many of our brethren will find relief from
Scotland.
the pains and diseases to which we all are heirs . In yonder noble pile , the foundation-stone of which was laid by H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , with his lovely and beloved Princess , unfortunately without Masonic honours , but which can never again occur when Bro . the Prince of Wales performs a similar
ceremony—there , in that palace of learning , science will be invoked to disclose nature ' s mysteries and laws , teaching the healing art to those who will minister to us in the hour of distress , when laid low by accident or sickness . Brethren , we are much indebted to those gentlemen by whose diligent and
arduous labours the means are being provided to build this hospital in the western district of our city , and I trust they will receive from all classes of the community that liberal support they so well deserve . ( Applause . ) Gentlemen , in the name of the Freemasons I thank you for the opportunity
you have given us of being present and assisting at this interesting ceremony , and trust our services have met with your approval . ( Cheers . ) Allow me , in conclusion , to express the best wishes of the brethren that your labours may be crowned with success , and be acknowledged with gratitude by
the people of this great city and the west of Scotland . ( Cheers . ) Mr . Dalglish , ALP . , as Chairman of the General Committee , returned thanks to the R . W . Grand Master and the Masonic body . The playing by the band of " Rule Britannia "
brought this part of the proceedings to a close . On the conclusion of the foundation-stone ceremony , a large number of gentlemen proceeded to the University and partook of cake and wine in the Museum . Mr . Dalglish , ALP . , occupied the chair , and proposed the usual toasts .
Mr . Gordon , ALP ., in proposing the health of the Master Mason and the Masonic body who had assisted at the laying ofthe foundation-stone , confessed that , although not a Mason , he had a great reverence for the body , said it was wonderful the secret had never been divulged , and mentioned ,
amidst loud laughter , that perhaps the explanation of the matter was that there was no secret in it after all . If there was a secret connected with the Order , he was surprised that the ladies had not found it out , warned them that they might soon expect an assault upon their privileges by a demand by the so-called weaker sex for admission as
members of the body , and spoke in eulogistic terms of thc objects of Masonry so far as he could judge of them . He adverted to the sacrifices which many of the Masons must have made to attend on the present occasion , but was sure none of them would grudge it , the Institution , so far as he could judge , being consistent with the principles of the Masonic body .
The Prov . Grand Master , in returning thanks for thc compliment referring to what the last speaker had said regarding thc secret of the Order , said he was sure that if Mr . Gordon would but join the body they would be only too glad to let him into the secret . ( Laughter . ) He thought it was not
only a necessary thing to have an hospital in connection with the University , but that the extension of public works westward made it almost compulsory that they should have an hospital as far west as the one of which they had just laid thc foundation-stone .
Thc Girvan Encampment of Knights Templar , No . 32 , held its usual monthly meeting on thc 1 st inst . Sir Kt . Robert Bell , M . N . C . presided , and opened thc encampment in due and ancient form . The Secretary having formally tendered his
resignation , the appointment of Sir Kt . Wheeler was confirmed . Propositions from three companions were read and accepted , and after the transaction of other business the encampment was closed till the first Tuesday in September .
BURDETT COUTTS LODGE OK INSTRUCTION . — This lodge , which has been closed during the summer months , will resume its meetings on Friday , September thc 1 st , at Bro . Lloyd's , thc Approach Tavern , Victoria Park . A good muster of the brethren is expected .
SMALL-POX , FEVERS , AND SKIN DISEASES . — The predisposition to is prevented liy Lamplough's Vyre'fc Saline . Vitalising and invigorating , its effects arc remarkable in their cure and prevention . Take it as directed . Sold by chemists and the maker , II . Lamploiigh , 113 , Ilolborn-hill . — [ Advt . ]
GALVANISM . —Pulvermacher ' s Monthly Record of Cures is utnv ready for the benefit of . Sufferers , containing documentary evidence of remarkable Cures effected by Pulvermacher's Improved Patent Self-applicable Volta-Llcclric Chain-liands and Pocket Batteries , and may be had on application lo the Sole Inventor and Patentee—J . L . l ' lilvermacher , i 6 H , Regent-street ,
London , W . A Test on Loan sent gratis if required . Caution . — Spurious Kleclrie Appliances being advertised by Quack Doctors , Patients should consult Pulvermacher ' s Pamphlet on that subject ( free by post ) , embodying other most interesting matter for those suffering from Rheumatic and Neuralgic Pains , Functional Disorders , & c , & c —[ Advt . ]
Foreign Masonic Intelligence.
Foreign Masonic Intelligence .
THE GRAND COUNCIL OF ROYAL AND SELECT MASTERS , PENNSYLVANIA .
We have received a copy ofthe Proceedings of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of New Brunswick , which contains a very full , and interesting address of the Grand Master ,
Comp . Alfred Creigh . As it gives the traditional history of Cryptic Masonry as disseminated in Pennsylvania , and being full of interest to the Masonic student in search of light , we do not hesitate to quote entire : —
We greet each of you as co-workers in the S . V ., in this our Annual 23 rd Assembly . We meet representing the different counties of the State of Pennsylvania—a State pre-eminently great , morally , scientifically , religiously , and Masonically . Within her borders , symbolic , capitular , cryptic , and chivalric Masonry , with the Ancient and Accepted
Rite , are cultivated ; the members of each zealously devoting their talents to the diffusion of those heaven-born principles which proclaim Jove to God and love to man , which elevates the standard of our manhood , and teaches the great and eternal truth : that every degree and every rite of Masonry is based on the Holy Bible—the first great light of Masonry .
Cryptic Masonry , in all her teachings , her lectures , her ritual , and her three degrees can triumphantly proclaim this fact and establish it without even the fear of successful contradiction . She comes to you , not clothed in the garb of modern associations , not surrounded with all the aids and
improvements in literature and science , and not wearing upon her brow even the marks of old age , but she stands erect in all the vigour of her manhood in the keystone State , with her thirty-seven subordinates , all doing homage at her shrine , enlisting the prayers , and sympathies , and learning
of her novitiates , each swearing upon its consecrated altar to promote , and diffuse , and disseminate her high and holy principles . To understand these you must retrace earth's history for twenty-eight hundred and sixty-nine years , and dig down to the foundations of that magnificent temple erected on
Mount Moriah by direction of the S . A . O . T . U . You must call to your imagination S . K . I ., H . K . T ., and H . A . B ., who met in tlie very self-same tabernacle which was erected in the wilderness b y Moses , Aholiab , and Bezaleel—a type ofthe temple of King Solomon ; and upon which all our Masonic
traditions are based . You must listen to Van wisdom of King Solomon , who presented to the minds of his other two companions his higher and more refined notions ofa temple , keeping steadily in view the tabernacle , because he was taught directly and immediately of God himself . Then contemplate
Hiram , King of Tyre , consenting to aid thc wise King Solomon , by thc strength of his mind , bis men , and his money . And " to crown this noble union view that celebrated artist , Hiram Abiff , whom these two royal kings had selected as the principal conductor ofthe work , the bean ly of whose
work was to remain an eternal monument to his memory . Little did this humble artisan , this honest architect , ever imagine that any other monument than the magnificent architectural style of the Temple would be erected to his memory ; but tradition informs us that after his death there was
erected near the Temple a beautiful monument of the purest Parian marble , its superstructure composed of three steps , to represent these three illustrious Grand Masters ; while upon it was placed tlie statue of a beautiful , though weeping virgin , with a broken column at her side , while in her left
hand she held an urn , denoting that his ashes were enshrined therein . In her right hand she held aloft the sprig of acacia , denoting the immortality of the soul ; while Time , with his scythe and his hourglass , stood behind her , teaching that by time , patience , and persevcrence , we can overcome all
things , ancl that death is but the breathing out of the spirit , the ceasing of the heart ' s pulsation , the starting point of the spirit's existence in the eternal world , where thc intellectual faculties will become perfect as Deity itself . " I have been induced to prepare this annual
address with the view of giving to the Cryptic Masons of thc United States the reason why the Grand Council of Pennsylvania confers the three degrees of Royal , Super-Excellent , and Select Master in the order prescribed by our Constitution , yet different frommostof thc other Stales . If we can
point out a more excellent and truthful way , founded upon reason , chronology , and circumstances which in themselves are conclusive evidence to every inquiring mind , should we not abandon untenable ground , and not cling to it , merely because State pride arrogates to itself oftentimes preposterous and
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Scotland.
SCOTLAND .
o GLASGOW .. NEW WESTERN INFIRMARY . The foundation-stone of the Western Infirmary , erecting in the neighbourhood ofthe new University Buildings , was laid on Thursday , the 17 th inst ., with Masonic honours . The General Committee of the new Infirmary assembled at two o ' clock in
the Lower Hall of the Queen ' s Rooms , where they met the magistrates and Councillors ot Glasgow and others invited to take part in the ceremonial . At the same time the Provincial Grand Lodge was opened in the Upper Hall . The Masonic and Other bodies were afterwards formed into
procession , and marched to the site of the foundationstone through ths West-End Park , across the Kelvin Bridge , and past the front of the University , where they were joined by the Principal and Professors , Sheriff Bell , and Mr . Dalglish , M . P . ( Chairman of the Western Infirmary General Committee ) . The
weather was brilliant , and there was a large concourse of persons at the Queen ' s Rooms , and along the line of route , but especially in the vicinity of the new Infirmary , where spacious platforms were erected , over three entrances to which arches of evergreens were raised , the central and principal
one decorated with flags , bannerets , and devices . Chief-Constable M'Call was Grand Marshal for the civic portion , and Mr . Robert Robb , Provincial Grand Marshal , for the Masonic portion of the procession , which arrived at the site in nearly the following order : —Band of music , Chief Constable
Officers of Police , Town Officers with halberts , the Lord Provost and Magistrates , followed by the Town Council ; Judicial and Civil Officers of the Corporation , the Deacons of Trades' Incorporations , Officers of Police , Sheriff of the County , Members of Parliament and Military Officers ,
Justices ofthe Peace , Officers of Police , the Chairman and Members of the Western Infirmary Committee and Subscribers , Inspector of Works and Contractors , the Principal and Professors of the University , tlie President and Fellows of Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons , Glasgow ; Officers of
Police ; Masonic Lodges ( junior in front ) , Band of music , the Provincial Grand Lodge , Officers of Police . The Principal and Professors and the President and Fellows of the Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons appeared in their official robes . The fallowing were the officers of thc Provincial Grand
Lodge who were present : —Bros . W . Montgomerie Neilson , P . G . Master ; F . A . Barrow , D . P . G . M . ; Jas . Steel , S . P . G . M . ; David Kingdom , P . G . S . W . ; Jas . Wallace , P . G . J . W . ; Arch . M'Taggart , P . G . Sec ; Thos . Ilalket , Acting P . G . S . D . ; George M'Donald , Acting P . G . J . D . ; T . Granger , Acting
P . G . B . Bearer ; James Leith , P . G . D . C ; Robert Robb . P . G . Marshall ; James Gentles , P . G . S . 15 . ; John Burnett , Acting P . G . Architect ; John Fraser , P . G . Clerk ; James Balfron . P . G . Inner Guard ; James Pollock , P . G . Tyler ; James Cruickshanks , P . P . G . D . M . ; andWm . Gilmour , D . P . G . M . ofthe
Middle Ward of Lanarkshire , who was supported by thc S . W ., J . W ., B . B ., and S . D . The working tools were carried by members of St . John ' s Lodge , No . $% . The following lodges were represented : — No . o , Mother Kilwinning ; No . 7 , Kilwinning Hamilton ; No . 13 , Torphichen ; No . 28 ,
Kirkintilloch ; No . 30 , St . Mary ' s Coltncss ; No . 114 Cambuslang R . A . ; No . 224 , St . Innocents Cullen ; , No . 233 , Hamilton St . Andrews ; No . 244 , Ardrossan ; No . 335 , Dunoon Argyle ; No . 427 , St . Clair Cambusnethan ; No . 116 , Ruthcrglcn R . A . ; No . 458 , Busby St . John's ; and the whole of the Glasgow lodges with the exception of one .
The proceedings having been opened with prayer by the Rev . Dr . Jamieson , Mr . Dalglish , M . P ., presented thc P . G . Master ( Bro . Neilson ) , by whom the foundation-stone was to be laid , with an ' elcgant silver trowel , bearing thc following inscription :- — " Presented to Wm . Montgomerie Neilson , Esq .,
of Quccnshill , Provincial Grand Master of Glasgow , on the occasion of his laying the foundation-stone of thc Glasgow Western Infirmary , on thc 17 th day of August , 1871 . " At the point of thc trowel there is engraved the P . G . M . ' s Masonic jewel ; there are also engraved on the trowel the crest and
motto of the recipient , the arms of Glasgow , and the University arms . The P . G . Master having accepted thc trowel , the stone was laid in due accordance with the laws of Masonry , and the completion of the ceremony was signalised by rounds of hearty cheers . A glass
bottle , containing several documents , coins , & c , was placed in a receptacle under the stone . The bottle was covered with a brass plate bearing a suitable inscription . At the conclusion of the ceremony ,
P . G . Master Neilson said : Brother Freemasons , —We have done a good work to-day in laying the foundation-stone of this building with Masonic honours , according to our ancient rites and ceremonies . Within these walls , when coped and roofed , many of our brethren will find relief from
Scotland.
the pains and diseases to which we all are heirs . In yonder noble pile , the foundation-stone of which was laid by H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , with his lovely and beloved Princess , unfortunately without Masonic honours , but which can never again occur when Bro . the Prince of Wales performs a similar
ceremony—there , in that palace of learning , science will be invoked to disclose nature ' s mysteries and laws , teaching the healing art to those who will minister to us in the hour of distress , when laid low by accident or sickness . Brethren , we are much indebted to those gentlemen by whose diligent and
arduous labours the means are being provided to build this hospital in the western district of our city , and I trust they will receive from all classes of the community that liberal support they so well deserve . ( Applause . ) Gentlemen , in the name of the Freemasons I thank you for the opportunity
you have given us of being present and assisting at this interesting ceremony , and trust our services have met with your approval . ( Cheers . ) Allow me , in conclusion , to express the best wishes of the brethren that your labours may be crowned with success , and be acknowledged with gratitude by
the people of this great city and the west of Scotland . ( Cheers . ) Mr . Dalglish , ALP . , as Chairman of the General Committee , returned thanks to the R . W . Grand Master and the Masonic body . The playing by the band of " Rule Britannia "
brought this part of the proceedings to a close . On the conclusion of the foundation-stone ceremony , a large number of gentlemen proceeded to the University and partook of cake and wine in the Museum . Mr . Dalglish , ALP . , occupied the chair , and proposed the usual toasts .
Mr . Gordon , ALP ., in proposing the health of the Master Mason and the Masonic body who had assisted at the laying ofthe foundation-stone , confessed that , although not a Mason , he had a great reverence for the body , said it was wonderful the secret had never been divulged , and mentioned ,
amidst loud laughter , that perhaps the explanation of the matter was that there was no secret in it after all . If there was a secret connected with the Order , he was surprised that the ladies had not found it out , warned them that they might soon expect an assault upon their privileges by a demand by the so-called weaker sex for admission as
members of the body , and spoke in eulogistic terms of thc objects of Masonry so far as he could judge of them . He adverted to the sacrifices which many of the Masons must have made to attend on the present occasion , but was sure none of them would grudge it , the Institution , so far as he could judge , being consistent with the principles of the Masonic body .
The Prov . Grand Master , in returning thanks for thc compliment referring to what the last speaker had said regarding thc secret of the Order , said he was sure that if Mr . Gordon would but join the body they would be only too glad to let him into the secret . ( Laughter . ) He thought it was not
only a necessary thing to have an hospital in connection with the University , but that the extension of public works westward made it almost compulsory that they should have an hospital as far west as the one of which they had just laid thc foundation-stone .
Thc Girvan Encampment of Knights Templar , No . 32 , held its usual monthly meeting on thc 1 st inst . Sir Kt . Robert Bell , M . N . C . presided , and opened thc encampment in due and ancient form . The Secretary having formally tendered his
resignation , the appointment of Sir Kt . Wheeler was confirmed . Propositions from three companions were read and accepted , and after the transaction of other business the encampment was closed till the first Tuesday in September .
BURDETT COUTTS LODGE OK INSTRUCTION . — This lodge , which has been closed during the summer months , will resume its meetings on Friday , September thc 1 st , at Bro . Lloyd's , thc Approach Tavern , Victoria Park . A good muster of the brethren is expected .
SMALL-POX , FEVERS , AND SKIN DISEASES . — The predisposition to is prevented liy Lamplough's Vyre'fc Saline . Vitalising and invigorating , its effects arc remarkable in their cure and prevention . Take it as directed . Sold by chemists and the maker , II . Lamploiigh , 113 , Ilolborn-hill . — [ Advt . ]
GALVANISM . —Pulvermacher ' s Monthly Record of Cures is utnv ready for the benefit of . Sufferers , containing documentary evidence of remarkable Cures effected by Pulvermacher's Improved Patent Self-applicable Volta-Llcclric Chain-liands and Pocket Batteries , and may be had on application lo the Sole Inventor and Patentee—J . L . l ' lilvermacher , i 6 H , Regent-street ,
London , W . A Test on Loan sent gratis if required . Caution . — Spurious Kleclrie Appliances being advertised by Quack Doctors , Patients should consult Pulvermacher ' s Pamphlet on that subject ( free by post ) , embodying other most interesting matter for those suffering from Rheumatic and Neuralgic Pains , Functional Disorders , & c , & c —[ Advt . ]
Foreign Masonic Intelligence.
Foreign Masonic Intelligence .
THE GRAND COUNCIL OF ROYAL AND SELECT MASTERS , PENNSYLVANIA .
We have received a copy ofthe Proceedings of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of New Brunswick , which contains a very full , and interesting address of the Grand Master ,
Comp . Alfred Creigh . As it gives the traditional history of Cryptic Masonry as disseminated in Pennsylvania , and being full of interest to the Masonic student in search of light , we do not hesitate to quote entire : —
We greet each of you as co-workers in the S . V ., in this our Annual 23 rd Assembly . We meet representing the different counties of the State of Pennsylvania—a State pre-eminently great , morally , scientifically , religiously , and Masonically . Within her borders , symbolic , capitular , cryptic , and chivalric Masonry , with the Ancient and Accepted
Rite , are cultivated ; the members of each zealously devoting their talents to the diffusion of those heaven-born principles which proclaim Jove to God and love to man , which elevates the standard of our manhood , and teaches the great and eternal truth : that every degree and every rite of Masonry is based on the Holy Bible—the first great light of Masonry .
Cryptic Masonry , in all her teachings , her lectures , her ritual , and her three degrees can triumphantly proclaim this fact and establish it without even the fear of successful contradiction . She comes to you , not clothed in the garb of modern associations , not surrounded with all the aids and
improvements in literature and science , and not wearing upon her brow even the marks of old age , but she stands erect in all the vigour of her manhood in the keystone State , with her thirty-seven subordinates , all doing homage at her shrine , enlisting the prayers , and sympathies , and learning
of her novitiates , each swearing upon its consecrated altar to promote , and diffuse , and disseminate her high and holy principles . To understand these you must retrace earth's history for twenty-eight hundred and sixty-nine years , and dig down to the foundations of that magnificent temple erected on
Mount Moriah by direction of the S . A . O . T . U . You must call to your imagination S . K . I ., H . K . T ., and H . A . B ., who met in tlie very self-same tabernacle which was erected in the wilderness b y Moses , Aholiab , and Bezaleel—a type ofthe temple of King Solomon ; and upon which all our Masonic
traditions are based . You must listen to Van wisdom of King Solomon , who presented to the minds of his other two companions his higher and more refined notions ofa temple , keeping steadily in view the tabernacle , because he was taught directly and immediately of God himself . Then contemplate
Hiram , King of Tyre , consenting to aid thc wise King Solomon , by thc strength of his mind , bis men , and his money . And " to crown this noble union view that celebrated artist , Hiram Abiff , whom these two royal kings had selected as the principal conductor ofthe work , the bean ly of whose
work was to remain an eternal monument to his memory . Little did this humble artisan , this honest architect , ever imagine that any other monument than the magnificent architectural style of the Temple would be erected to his memory ; but tradition informs us that after his death there was
erected near the Temple a beautiful monument of the purest Parian marble , its superstructure composed of three steps , to represent these three illustrious Grand Masters ; while upon it was placed tlie statue of a beautiful , though weeping virgin , with a broken column at her side , while in her left
hand she held an urn , denoting that his ashes were enshrined therein . In her right hand she held aloft the sprig of acacia , denoting the immortality of the soul ; while Time , with his scythe and his hourglass , stood behind her , teaching that by time , patience , and persevcrence , we can overcome all
things , ancl that death is but the breathing out of the spirit , the ceasing of the heart ' s pulsation , the starting point of the spirit's existence in the eternal world , where thc intellectual faculties will become perfect as Deity itself . " I have been induced to prepare this annual
address with the view of giving to the Cryptic Masons of thc United States the reason why the Grand Council of Pennsylvania confers the three degrees of Royal , Super-Excellent , and Select Master in the order prescribed by our Constitution , yet different frommostof thc other Stales . If we can
point out a more excellent and truthful way , founded upon reason , chronology , and circumstances which in themselves are conclusive evidence to every inquiring mind , should we not abandon untenable ground , and not cling to it , merely because State pride arrogates to itself oftentimes preposterous and