Metropolitan

feelings they have evinced towards me ( and I do believe them ) , lam led to hope that in some degree I was successful . It has been said , and from what I now feel I caii vouch for its truth , that there are times in a man ' s life when the heart is so full that the tongue is tinable to give utterance to all that it feels . I have ransacked my vocabulary from end to end to find suitable words to express to you my present feelings , but I have been unsuccessful . I also tried to string together a few sentences for this occasion . But , alas ! how uncertain are all things

human . Memory in this instance has proved treacherous ; and I find thoughts sometimes , like riches , make themselves ^ w ^ the only source left me is the prompting of a grateful heart , to express to you my thanks for this token of your esteem . But the kind expressions of your approval , which yon at all times have given to ray conduct , and which I have treasured in my heart , far outweigh ;( valuable though it be ) this outward sign of your generosity ^ kindness , and approbation . Brethren , this handsome Jewel , which has been so kindly placed on my breast , I will keep possession of while I remain this side of that bourn from whence no traveller returns . It shall be to me a

beacon , to warn roe to avoid the shoals and quicksands of dishonour , on which some have unhappily foundered . If prosperity smiles upon me , it shall be my constant companion ever to remind me of my happy union wdth this Lodge , especially the present occasion , If adversity should overtake me , and the world frown , and the Craft look coldly upon me , it shall be to me a Jewel of consolation . I will look upon it , and think it was not always so ; and try to feel there was a time when I was both respected and esteemed . " The Brethren , about twenty-five in number , then adjourned to a splendid banquet , provided in the usual style at the Gun Tavern . Amongst the visitors - ' were Bro . Todd , P . M . No . 168 ; Bro . Norlan , No . 201 ; Bro . Kirby , P . M . No . 276 ; . Bro . Couchman , P . M . No . 165 , & c . The Brethren enjoyed themselves in true Masonic style , and parted at a seasonable hour , looking forward with pleasurable anticipations to the next meeting .

St . James ' s JJmox ( No . 211 ) . —The members of this Lodge met upon an emergency at the Freemasons' Tavern , on Monday , April 13 . The business hefore the Lodge was of most voluminous character . Messrs . Caltson , Samuel , Walker , Willey , H . Stuart , and Joshua Bh odes , were admitted into the Order ; Bros . Webb , Abrahams , and Beacock , received the 2 nd Degree , the whole of the ceremonies being performed by the W . M ., Bro . John Gurton , in his usual excellent manner , who , during the evening , thanked the Brothers for the support they had proffered him as Steward for the Girls' School . He informed them that he had disposed of all his tickets for that occasion—rather an unusual occurrence at so

early a period ; but it showed that the members of the St . James ' s Lodge were determined to uphold the character of the Lodge in supporting that truly great charity . The Lodge business being disposed ' of , the Brethren adjourned to an excellent banquet ; after which the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were given , including that of the Master ' s health , which was proposed by Bro . Garner ( the father of the Lodge ) in a very feeling and complimentary strain . The visitors were Bros . Collard , P . M ., No . 209 ; Biley , No . 861 , Buckingham Lodge , Aylesbury ; and Dr . Harcourt , D . P . G . M ., Surrey , who returned thanks for their reception , and eulogized the admirable working ox this Lodge .

Lodgk of Tkanqutllity ( No . 218 ) . —The Brethren met for the last time this season , on Monday , April 20 , at the Bridge-house Hotel , Southwark . Present—Bro . Noah Davis , W . M ., and several members . Mr . Michael Henry Myers was initiated ; Bro . L . Levien , of the Lodge of Joppa , admitted a joining member ; Bros . A . Sydney , Berger , and Deader , passed to the 2 nd Degree ; and Bro . Morris Hart was raised to the Degree of M . M . Bro . Noah Davis , by his strict attention , excellent working , and linn mobs and consistency in the chair , has won the good opinions of every Mason . The absence of two of the P . M " . s ., Bros .

A . Levy and J . Abrahams , the first through illness , and the last in consequence of a domestic loss , was much regretted . Bros . How , Prov . G . 1 > . (! ., Surrey ; G . Mnsa , of No . 24 7 ; and Myera , of Lodge No . GO 7 , at Melbourne , wore among the visitors .