Cokbesponmince.

be established ^ which would put an end to all these perplexing circumstances , and establish a Masonic Union that would be beneficial and advantageous to the Sister Grand Lodges . It would thus be an United Kingdom in a Masonic as well as a civil point of view . Having written thus much , and occupied , I fear , too much space , I shall resume the subject , if need be , in a future number , and now content myself by being * 0 Yours , fraternally , Q ijst the Coener .

Masons In Their Hours Of Relaxation.

MASONS IN THEIR HOURS OF RELAXATION .

" Ajsd now , " the Square continued , " after leading you , as John Bunyan did his pilgrims , through the gardens of Beelzebub , to show you the forbidden fruit , rank and unwholesome , that flourishes there , —the apples of charlatanism , the grapes of antirnasonry , and the cowans figs , not particularly wholesome , —I must return to the ever-blooming delectable mountains and sunny vales , which are situate in the midst of a Lodge , just , perfect , and regular , when it is open , but closely tiled .

" The eighteenth century was the age of clubs , " said the Square , " and their public suppers were generally scenes of unmixed , though rather turbulent enjoyment ; but there was a festive gratification thrown over a Masonic banquet , which was unapproachable by any other society . Even the celebrated Heidegger , the arbiter elegantiarum of high life , was often heard to say , that if he had not been a Mason , he should never have had a perfect zest for the exercise of his art . ft is not in the viands—they are the same everywhere ; it is not the wines—we cannot

boast of any superiority there . The secret may be found m the congeniality of feeling which mutually exists amongst the Brethren—knit together by closer ties , cemented by a chain of more sincere and * disinterested affection—each and all being determined to give and receive pleasure , to he happy themselves , and the source of happiness to others . By this means a Lodge of true-hearted Brothers , during its hours of relaxation and refreshment , is a region of peace , and the patented abode of good temper and unmixed enjoyment . ' "

" This result , ' said the Square , " arises out of a community of interests , so nicely balanced and regulated by the Constitutions of the Order , that being directed by Wisdom , supported by Strength , and ornamented by Beauty , harmony establishes itself without any artificial assistance ; and the Lodge , like a wellconstructed machine , true in all its parts and proportions , perforins its work with the most perfect accuracy and unvarying correctness . Interests seldom clash , each officer ' s duty being so clearly defined as not to admit of any mistake ; the springs and wheels execute their respective functions so truly as to preserve their symmetry , and contribute to the beauty , magnificence , and durability of the whole . "

u This exact regularity , as I once heard Bro . Calcott say , " * continued the Square , " so far from occasioning a melancholy seriousness , diffuses the most pure delights , and the bright effects of enjoyment and hilarity shine forth in the countenance . It is true that appearances are sometimes a little more sprightly than ordinary , but decency runs no risk of violation , it is merely wisdom in good humour . For

if a Brother should so forget himself as to use any improper expressions , a formidable sign would immediately recall him to his duty . A Brother may mistake as a man , hut he has ample means of recovering himself as a Freemason ; and although order and decorum are always scrupulously observed in our Lodges , we do not exclude gaiety and cheerful enjoyment . The conversation is always animated , and the kind and brotherly cordiality that is found there , gives rise to the most pleasing reflections . "

" These particulars may justly recall to our minds the happy time of the divine Astrea , when there was neither superiority nor subordination , because men were as yet untainted by vice on the one hand , and uncorrupted by licentiousnoss on the other . "—From Oliver on Masonry , pp . 305—307 .