Correspondence.

matter of course be done , even if not mentioned on the circular of summons . Perhaps owing to dullness of comprehension , I do not see the impropriety of my remark , which implied that the arrangements adopted in foreign lodges are no criterion as to what is right or Avroug under English Constitutions , aud

the difference between the express law in Maryland , mentioned hy Bro . Haye , and that in England , as quoted by Bro . Hughan , proves my position . Bro . Haye writes , as he says , " only Avith regard to Scotland ; " I only with regard to this country . He doubts whether " the general body of English Masons will

endorse" the VIBAVS of Bro . Hughan and myself , while I state that all whom I have consulted ' have done so , except the three brethren who have expressed their opinions in the Magazine , and of these Bro . Leigh , by his note inserted to-day , appears now to agree with us in opinion .

In reference '" to the remarks of Bro . Bairnsfather , whose name comes before me for the first time , I wish to assure him that I haA'e not regarded or represented my exclusion from the Loyalty Lodge on the occasion referred to as an insult . ' There were others shut out with myself , and , on their behalf as much as my own , I took up the matter , after a little conversation with them in the ante-room . I felt it to be

a question Avorth consideration , mentioned it iu lodge , and then in the best spirit openly announced my intention to endeavour to obtain a solution . Let me again assure Bro . Bairnsfather that I have neA-er claimed to be present during discussion on a private subject , Avhen , as a gentleman , I felt that I ought not

to intrude , but only to hear the result as expressed in the minutes , and to that I felt that I had a right on the grounds stated last week . I beg to offer my thanks to Bro . Leigh aud others on behalf of Avhom he speaks for their sympathy in a certain struggle " with officialdom and incapacity in hih laces

gp " very different from that in hand . Many of the Jersey brethren Avho have seconded me deserve support iu their efforts to maintain high Masonic principles . In this I may possibly not again take part , as I have UOAV quitted the Channel Isles , having , liOAvever , left behind me au assurance that my aid will always be read y if needed . It now only remains to notice the letter of " A Humble Working P . M . " at Jersey , Avhich rather

places me in a dilemma . Whoever he may be , I trust that he knows me well enough to be sure that I was utterly unconscious of the comparison made till I _ saw it in print ; that had it been previously submitted to me I should certainly have erased it ; and that I disclaim any such pre-eminence as that

assigned to me , for , in the course of the extensive published correspondence conducted by me while in Jersey , I have generally consulted others on whose judgment I could rely before sending communications to the Magazine . My explanation of Bro . Hughan's kindly-meant remark , Avhich he would have done

better to suppress , is , that he formed his conclusion from what he had seeu in your columns , to which there have been but few Jersey correspondents except myself , though there have been some , and that ho thus hastily formed a rash opinion . Should he ever have an opportunity of knowing tho brethren of Lodge La Ce ' saree and some others in the island as well as I do , he would become aware of the important but unassuming labours which they undertake for

the benefit of the Craft and the maintenance of its character ; and would highly appreciate their zeal , talents , energy , and self-denial , as I have done . As I regretted the remark of my friend Bro . Hughan when I saw it last week , so do I now regret the bitterness ! with which the Jersey P . M . has expressed himself

, and should much like to have au opportunity of bringing them together , when I am sure thoy would mutually appreciate each other other . Yours fraternally , H . H . Kidderminster , May 25 th , 1 S 67 .

FREEMASONRY AND CHRISTIANITY . TO THE EDITOR OF THE EitEH 3 rAso : rL' riUGAzixE Axi > 3 IASO ;» IC MIRKOH . DEAR SIR AND BEOTHETI . —It is a subject of much regret to me , and , I am sure , must be so to many of your readers , that your columns should ba so much occupied hy discussions on questions of

Masonic jurisprudence ( to wit , " Can a Warden initiate ? " " The rights of visitors , " & c , in which unfortunately brethren sometimes forget the courtesy due to each other ) , Avhen such matters can readily be disposed of by appeal to the proper authority . I take it that the prime object of your publication is

to promote the general Avelfare of our Order , and surely there are higher and more important questions than such as I have referred to , which may , with propriety and advantage become the subject of argument iu your pages . I would gladly see brethren of literary eminence loy their time and talents in

emp discussing , as Bro . Oneal Have has , to some extent , recently done , the merits of our " Ancient and honourable institution . " I have read Bro . Oneal Haye'a articles with much pleasure , and I trust that he is not the only brother Vviio can Avrite in the same strain .

By way of providing subjects for discussion , I beg to lay down the following propositions , which I am prepared to defend , and I shall bo glad if brethren who look beloAV the surface , aud . are uot satisfied Avith the outward seeming of Masonry , Avill express their views through the medium of your journal : — 1 . That Freemasonry oriinated under the

Chrisg tian dispensation . 2 . That Christianity i-j the foundation and copestone of Freemasonry . 8 . That although candidates for initiation are not required to express thdr belief in Christianity , yet no man can become a true Mason unless he is a

Christian , aud can perceive the connection between Masonry and Christianity , L That the so-called high degrees aw mainly supported iu consequence of : \ large body of Masonr ; not perceiving that Christianity ii an essentia ; part of Craft Masonry , and that such want of perception is occasioned btho injudicious alterations in tha

y lectures made at the time ol the 'Union of the two Grand Lodges . Tours fraternally , ;& K . B . Wiaxu , IS " , P . M . and Z . US , Prov . G . Assist . Dir . of Cers , Lancashire West .

A LADY FREEMASON . TO THE EDITOR OE THE FREiaiASOXS M . WAZT" i-E AND H . V-0 ! " 0 ^ IRUCE :. DEAE SIB AND BEOTHEE . — 'Will yon p ! juso inform me , in your next impression , if ever there was a lady