Freemasonry Considered.

greater part of the relief given by private lodges is misapplied for Avant of the exercise of due care and judgment in ascertaining the validity of claims for help . No charge aefainst the Craft has been more

-common , than that the meetings of lodges have been usually held at taverns and places of public entertainment , the result of which has been an undue regard to banquets , and a danger that the younger members might be led into excess and

late hours . A comparison betAveen the Masonic .. calender of this year and that of tAventy years ag-o , Avill SIIOAV that the lodges are aAvare of the disadvantag-es of such a course , often in small places rendered unavoidable by a deficiency of

suitable rooms , since the number of halls and . private houses devoted to our purposes is rapidly on the increase , and but a feAV numbers of the MAGAZINE are published which do not contain a record of the consecration of a Masonic hall . One

province is knoAvn to the writer , and there are probably many others , in each of the eight lodges of Avhich a banquet is held only once a year , at the annual festival , no refreshment being provided at the ordinaiy meetings , or only such as is most

simple and inexpensive , as a means of keeping the brethren together for an hour ' s social intercourse after the termination of formal business .

The progress of the Craft numerically has of late years been strongly marked , and no doubt this may to a great extent be attributed to the improved efficiency and character of the Institution in the respects already named and many

others . Four years _ ago lodges Avere struck out from the list , including those which Avere defunct and those Avhich formed the Grand Lodge of Canada-, to the extent of about one fourth of the Avhole . Nearly two thirds of this reduction has

within this limited period been made up by the issue of warrants for neiv lodges , so that , should this rate of increase continue , as seems probable , in tAvo or three years we shall be as numerous as we Avere before the erasure .

Another point of vast importance , lately specially brought before the notice of the Provincial authorities by the M . W . the Grand Master , is the extreme caution and inquiry into character Avhich should precede each initiation , lest elements of a discreditable nature should be introduced

among us , sources of scandal to our prejudice with the outside world , and of discord and annoyance to our body . Though it may be presumed that

such a warning was felt to be necessary , still , so far as the writer ' s observation goes , much more care is taken than formerly , and there is a general desire to restrict our privileges to true and honourable men , of whom nothing is heard but

the tongue of good report . It may now be Avell to cite as fair specimens of the whole two or three cases with which the

writer is familiar . In the large town where he first saw the light there were tAventy years ago only four lodges , all meeting at hotels . There are now tAvelve , besides several iu the immediate neighbourhood . Only tAvo of these UOAV assemble

at hotels , the members being unwilling to make a change , Avhich has , hoAvevei * , been several times contenqjlated , until the completion of the projected large hall . There are also four Royal Arch Chapters , Avhereas twenty years ago there was but

one . In another province , where till 1851 there Avere but four lodges and one Royal Arch Chapter , there are UOAV eight lodges and four chapters , Avithout any increase , but rather a diminution , in the population . . Notwithstanding great

impediments , chiefly arising from the misconduct and incompetency of the head of the province , which are so notorious that very many gentlemen of position and influence are thereby prevented from joining , the Craft has steadily progressed in number , respectability , intelligence , and power . The Freemasons there have made repeated

attempts to be relieved from the incubus , by appeals to higher authorities , but in vain , distance presenting considerable difficulty , added to redtapeism and other influences . Happily the local public are acquainted Avith the circumstances , and

make some allowance ; still they must have an injurious effect , by proving that unworthy members , and even rulers , are countenanced and supported , a stigma thus attaching to the Avhole body , AVIIO have no control over the appointment , and

are poAverless to effect a change . In a third small province , some years ago the leading men in point of Avealth , character , and position belonged to the Craft . Unfortunately , as is stated , some un-Avorthy persons Avere admitted , abused their

privileges , aud thus injured the cause . Freemasonry fell in public estimation , but is UOAV recovering itself by the character aud conduct ofthe present members . It is hoped and believed that the care and Avatchfuluess noAv exercised , will soon produce beneficial results , especially as there are no tavern influences . A fourth toAvn