Masonic Episode In Real Life.

g ive him an ovation , the AV . M . to make the welcoming speech ; but as they received no information from Bro . Balcolm or his whereabouts , they could not communicate with him , and he remained impressed for eight years that he was still under the ban of expulsion , and but for the happy interference of Bro . Prince , would probably have never been the

wiser . Bro . Balcom , who was already a 32 , affiliated with the bodies of the Ancient and Accepted Rite , the only one known in the country , while Bro . Prince , who was a K . T ., affiliated with the

symbolic lodge , and petitioned for advancement in the Ineffable Grades . He advanced as rapidly as could- be expected , having in three years attained the 18 ° grade , and now , after a probation of three years , expects shortly to obtain the

32 The above was related to us by Bro . Prince , about eight months ago , and , in the present controversy now existing in reference to the status of unaffiliated Alasons in the new

statutes of the Grand Lodge , called the same to mind . The brothers , Balcom and Prince , still live , and are highly honoured members of the community in which they reside , devoted to our noble Order , and vicing with each other in dispensing charity to the poor , distressed , and destitute .

Would that our Fraternity had more members like Bro . Balcom . Masonry had dissolved its connection with him and absolved itself of all control so far as he was concerned ; yet he , true to his obligation , never renounced his part of the

contract . He acted towaid Alasons as if they were still his brothers , when aid and assistance was required , ami believed in that old , but now almost obsolete , legend , " Once a Alason always a Alason . "—Neiv Yuri ; Disjirtlch .

Presentation To Bro. S. H. Wagstaff P.M 1216,

PRESENTATION to Bro . S . H . WAGSTAFF P . M 1216 ,

On Tuesday evening 16 th inst , a number of ladies and gentlemen connected with the well known firm of the celebrated AVheeler and AVilson Sewing Machine , whose chief office is 43 , St . Paul ' s Church-yard , met together at Anderton ' s Hote ] , Elect Street , to present an

address beautifully illuminated on vellum , and handsomely framed , on the occasion of Bro . AVagstalFs leaving England ; he having been chosen by the firm to represent them in further developing their business in the Indian Empire , for which place he started on Thursday , the 18 th

inst ., in the P . and O . Company s splendid steamer Mizan , from Southampton . A most recherche banquet having been provided , at which the much respected general manager and respresentative of the firm in Great Britain , Bro . R . Hunting of the Harmony Lodge , U . S . A ., presided . The

cloth having been cleared the chairman rose ami in a most feeling and complimentary manner , alluded to the long connection of Bro Wagstall with the firm , and of their high appreciation of his valuable services , as proof of which , they had retained him for the important and responsible

mission which was fully expressed in the address which he had now the pleasure to present , it having been prepared by his co-assistants in the establishment , as a mark of the great respect , in which he was held by them . Bro . AVagstall ' , who was much all ' ected , stated that he

thought he was better constituted to face a danger than to be the recipient of so much kindness , which , however , he highly appreciated , and thanked them for , and should prize more than anything they could have ollered him , as he could hand that down to his posterity with pride and pleasure . After several complimentary toasts

were drank , chiefl y referring to the wonderful resources and development of the sewing machine , the company separated , pleased with the evening ' s entertainment ami reassured of the good feelings of the firm towards their assistants , and their readiness to recognise faithful service . . .

Original Correspondence.

Original Correspondence .

THE CHARITY JEWEL

To the Editor of The Freemason . Dear Sir , and Brother , — At the quarterly communication of Grand Lodge on the 4 th of June last , the Grand

Alaster is reported to have made a change , in or an addition to the existing system , under which brethren are entitled to the rights and privileges as to wearing the Charity Jewel or clasps .

I have no doubt that those cognisant of the existing system will " recognise the wisdom of the change , " but , from my communication with Provincial brethren , I am inclined to believe that there are many , like myself entirely in the dark as to the existing system .

If therefore you can throw any light upon this subject it will be appreciated by your readers . I am Sir , yours faithfully , A SUBSCRIBER .

THE LAST ROMAN CATHOLIC ATTACK ON FREEMASONRY .

To Ihe Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — A ' our recent leader on " The Last Roman Catholic Attack on Freemasonry , " is certainly called for , and it is a matter much to be

deplored that amongst ourselves m the Craft , there should be any bickering . AA e should be united , and not allow the disputes amongst the higher degrees to undermine the strength of our fret ; and liberal institution .

Ihe Roman Catholic Press may attempt to ridicule Alasonry , but their ridicule comes with a bad grace , from those whose ceremonial is a tissue of deceptions mummeries . At any rate , we Freemasons do not call railway excursions with lots of provender , " Pilgrimages , " and the AIasonic titles of our officers are not a whit less

dignified , than those of homeless ecclesiastics , who parade fantastical costumes , give themselves out as His Grace of So and So—and assume territorial jurisdiction , where our honest lieges laugh them to scorn , and where [ an aggrieved bootblack may summons " His Eminence of Anywhere" before a sitting magistrate for obstructing the way !

These poor medievalists , may catch a stray legacy , or cajole an old lady without brains , and an uneasy conscience , but they know very well in their own hearts , that the heart of England is sound , and that Freemasonry is no insignificant means of keeping it so—hence their childish rage

and jealousy . Nothing is easier than to write reams of what are called , " funny articles , " against Freemasonry . A little flippancy , and a very small stock of knowledge , is sufficient for the purpose , but for one absurdity in the ceremonial of Freemasonry

we can point out a dozen instances of the most ridiculous description in the Roman Catholic Church , and as for the sneer of the AVestminster paper , about the " diamond merchant , " what is this to compare with the systematic pumping of the poor , for "Peter ' s pence ?"

But there happens to be no such individual as " the diamond merchant , " whereas we know of many dupes , who give up their dinners , on pretence of a fast , in order that the money which would have bought them , may be less felt , on its transfer to Peter ' s pocket . Yours fraternally , S .

SPIRITUALISM .

To Ihe Editor if the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — If Brother Jiuchan has never seen nor heard of any "' so called spiritualistic phenomena " but what mi ght have been accomplished by living persons present , without the aid of any disembodied spirit , " he is quite right in refusing

to refer them to the agency of such spirits . But surely his i gnorance of veritable spiritualistic phenomena is not necessarily to be taken as the measure of my convictions . He cannot reasonably be expected to believe in what he has neither seen nor hoard of , but he can hardly take upon himself to aver that others , who have , seen and heard much that he has not , are to deny the

Original Correspondence.

evidence of their senses , because their experience has extended far beyond his . If he should ever happen to hold conversations of from two to three hours in length with some unseen intelli gent power , which declares itself to be a spirit , which had inhabited a body , and which in that bod y bore a certain name , as my wife and I have done for

six several evenings , no other person being present—conversations in which facts and directions were given which saved a family from ruin—he will say " yes " with as little hesitation as I now do . Meanwhile , I am quite content to bear the reproach of the " credulous " and " deluded . " WILLIAM CARPENTER .

Our Journey.

OUR JOURNEY .

Though jrough be the path on our journey through life , Yet , ' twill be bright if we look well before us ; 'Tis a leap in the dark , or neglect on the road . That bringcth such black shadows o ' er us .

We are taught to be true to mankind and ourselves , And apportion each day for prayer , rest and

labour , To assist on the road those who are weary and tired , Also , extend hand of friendship to neighbour .

See , the man who is selfish and looks but to gain , Or the idle who will beg , steal , or borrow , The improvident man , who spends all to-day , And the thoughtless , u ho heeds not the morrow .

These arc the lost on the road , and need help , Save ! or their journey will be in darkness and woe ; Look well as you travel , ant ! help when you can , For rich is the harvest you skilfully sow .

Treat all men as brothers , alike rich and poor ; Be slow to anger , but quick to forgive ; If rich , help the needy ; if poor , envy not The wealth of thy neighbour , but struggle to live .

Should misfortune o ' ertake you never despair , Look steadfast before you may distance her yet , Onward ! then onward ! faithful , earnest and true , Remember that life is with trouble beset . F . F .

A Freemason's Song.

A FREEMASON'S SONG .

I ' m a merry hearted Mason , Oh , yes , indeed I am ; Always pleased to meet a brother , And do the best I 0 : 1 . 1 .

Chorus . Then here ' s a health to all true Masons , Wherever they may be ; May fortune smile upon them ; On the land , and on the sea .

I promote the welfare of the Craft , By acting on the square ; And treat with kindness every man , No matter when or where .

In every clime thc Craft is known , In every place we find a brother j And with advice and purse untied , AVe love and cherish one another .

Then here ' s a health to all true Alasons , AVherever they may be ; May fortune smile upon them , On thu land and on the sea .

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