Correspondence.

da }* s ago , which shows how important it is that AA ' should act up to our principles : — " Most of my friends are prejudiced against the Order Diving to its evil tendency in inducing men to go into company evening after evening ; but time is the handmaid of truth , and the lectures yon have forwarded me may tend to disabuse their minds of any such erroneous opinions . " Efforts made by rightminded Masons to extend a knoivledge of our history and principles are not appreciated or encouragednor can their

exemplifica-, tion of its precepts by their lives aud conduct outweigh the injury done by the thoughtlessness of a few AA'ho are less tenacious as to the character ancl standing of the Avhole body . However desirable , I doubt much Avhether the proposed system of itinerant lecturers could be carried out , as great expense must attend such an arrangement ; but there are numerous published Avorks on the subject , portions of Avhich might as a standing rule be read by the W . M . at each

meeting , especially when business does not press . Some men , hoivever , though otherwise Ai'ell qualified to fill the chair , have not the rhetorical powers AA'hich are requisite to give force ancl value to such a plan , and therefore I consider the system adopted in France a good one : I refer to the appointment in each Lodge of an " Orator , " whoso duty it is on all occasions when time permits to be ready to address the Lodge on some subject connected ivith our Orderif called upon to do so .

, I haA'e often heard the members on retiring from a Lodge speak of the intellectual treat they haA'e thus received . It is true that in many places it AA'ould be difficult to find men capable of efficiently delivering such addresses Avithout opportunity of previous study , Avilling to bind themselves to respond to such a call Avhenever it may be made , and possessing sufficient fluency as extempore speakers to make what they have to say attractive .

This difficulty might be readily obviated by reading selections from some of the numerous Avorks to be found in the list issued by Bro . Spencer , of Great Queen Street , London , especially those of the Rev . Bro . Oliver , ivhich ought to form the nucleus of a library at eA'ery Loclge . To these may be added many other works Avhich may readily be obtained , among them , "Mysteries of Freemasonry , " by John Fellows , A . M . This is a learned and interesting book , shoAving the connexion of our system Avith the

secret institutions of ancient times , especially among the Egyptians , thus pointing out IIOAV departure from the true doctrine led to different systems of heathenism . As a shorter manual may be mentioned , " Three Lectures on Freemasonry , " recently dehrered by Bro . Hopkins , and published by Bro . Spencer . The author ' s object seems to be briefly to point out the origin and high objects ofthe institution , the principles Avhich it inculcates , anil the grounds on ivhich it lays claim to the respect ofthe external world .

The price being IOAV , this pamphlet may be recommended to the attention of every one , whether he be a Mason or not . I might specify a large number of other interesting publications . If I remember rightly , there ivas a few years ago an old Mason in Dublin Avho had a large Masonic library , containing about eight hundred volumes . I mention this to SIIOAV that it is possible to obtain extensive information on this subject . The last hint of your correspondent in reference to the foundation of

scholarships is a valuable one : it would give a status to our Boys Schools , and ivould cause the institution and the good Avhich our fraternity is capable of accomplishing , to be fully recognized . I trust that some influential member of Grand Lodge Avill take an early opportunity of proposing its adoption by that body , and that some of our more Avealthy members may be induced to act upon so good a hint . I am , dear Sir and Brother , yours fraternall y , A . M .