The Masonic Mirror:

We merely step in to fill up a vacuum which , unfilled , is a source of weakness , but Avhich AA e hope to occupy in a manner to benefit the cause of Masonry . The " Masonic Mirror" will be conducted Avith the judgment and circumspection so essential for such a publication , so that whilst it will

contain all that is requisite for the enlightenment of the Brethren , Avith regard to the position and proceedings of the A'arious Lodges in Freemasonry , no thing will appear Avhich can in any way tend to profane the sanctity of the masonic mystery , or to reveal to the gaze of the unitiated what Burns happily describes as

" That hieroglyphic bright Which none but craftsmen ever saw . " With a vieAV to render our journal a welcome visitor in the families of the Brethren , we propose to combine amusement with the business of the order , by the insertion , in the literary columns of the " Mirror , " of original of

and selected tales , & c , a purely moral tendency . The iieAvs department Avill present a complete epitome of all the important events , and Meetings of Scientific , Charitable , and Provident Institutions , throughout the month ; thereby constituting the " Masonic Mirror" a valuable Avork oi * reference for all classes of society—each Volume comprising an Annual Register of events , to Avhich an ample Index will be supplied , unsurpassed for its usefulness and readiness of reference .

Full reports of Masonic Charities , Presentations , and other meetings , Avill be regularly published in our columns , and , as these occasions have not merely the interest of sentiment to recommend them , but are of great practical importance to the cause of Freemasonry , Ave earnestly solicit the co-operation of Masters , Secretaries , and other members of the various Lodges , in enabling us to insure to them the fullest and most accurate

publicity . We shall feel much obliged therefore to all officers and authorities of Lodges Avho may favour us with authentic notices of meetings . The strictest attention shall at all times be paid to such communications , and iu cases Avhere Ave receive intimation that the presence of a professional reporter at a . netting- is deemed desirable , such a gentleman , being himself a properly qualified brother , shall attend from our office .

Hie "Masonic Mirror " Avill be conducted by Brethren well known in thc order , and ivhile no expense will be spared to render it one of the most useful and at the same time interesting Avorks e \' . er offered to the Craft , we have fixed its price at so low a sum , as to render it easy of access to all classes of the community . Nor is it intended to make any advance on this charge , in the event of extreme pressure of matter

rendering it necessary that Ave should publish extra numbers . It remains that Ave should say a word as to the time and form of our appearance . January is the most obvious , and in many respects , the most convenient month in which to commence a IIBAV serial , "but October is generally regarded as the beginning of the Masonic year , and being a month Avhose transactions are especially deserving of being recorded , Ave