The Craft And Its Criticisers.—Iii.

Does not the practice of Freemasonry entail heavy expenses on those who take part in it ? To this a ready reply may be given . Such is not necessarily the case , nor is it desirable . Whatever may be said as to equality among Masons , although while in the exercise of our duties in Lodge no distinctions of rank and wealth are recognized , still it is not possible to do away with those social positions which prevail in large communities , and

they have a just claim to be considered as of value . There is in fact a great difference in the scale of expenses in the various Lodges , and a man whose income is limited should take care to join one suitable to his means ; in such a one , moreover , at the social enjoyments for which , at the conclusion of labour , provision is frequently made , and which are far from being forbidden in moderation , he is more likely to meet brethren of his own standing and position in societyand into whose feelings and habits he can

, most advantageously and comfortably enter . It is true , that if he rises high in the Craft , certain honours bring with them temporarily greater expenses for dress and ornamentation , but as to the costliness or cheapness of the materials , he is at perfect liberty to judge for himself ; the extent to which he will go is quite at his own option , and he' may keep within very

moderate limits . There are Lodges , in winch , with an initiatory fee of £ 3 8 s . the annual subscription is not more than £ 1 , while there are others where each of these amounts to £ 21 , besides the cost of frequent and liberal banquets . I now bring my remarks to a close , and only fear that you and your readers will consider what has been said as too elementary and puerile . However long a school may have been established , there is constantly a

fresh demand for primers and spelling books for the use of new pupils as they enter to commence with the rudiments . Freemasonry presents similar circumstances , requiring the same sort of provision , since every week brings accessions in the shape of apprentices wdio have to begin at the beginning . To them I trust you will consider that I have addressed myself more particularly , under an impression that you desire to make your pages useful to all in turn , whatever may be their Masonic rank or age , and in the hope that your more learned correspondents will furnish material suitable to the condition of those who are more advanced . / "TTT ^ -V Jersey , April loth , 1859 . /&' —^ X II . II .

^ o l ^ THE RETTON * HOME . — 'When dear loved ones of the lioiSeBoTd are away from the paternal home , how great the anxiety for their welfare , how constantly and unceasingly the heart yearns to know if all is well ; but when the glad message cornea from home , dear home , then expectant anxiety is stretched to its | utmost tension —the dangers incident to travel cause a fluttering of both joy and fear , which

alternate until the dear ones are in our embrace , and then , after the brief excitement of greeting is over , how sweet and tranquilly the affectionate emotions resume their placid tone . Then , true happiness is enjoyed , unalloyed by fear or apprehensionthe loved ones are near , are with us . "We sit and gaze upon them in joyful serenity , and while the heart beats in grateful adoration to God for the blessings He has surrounded us with , we sit and look upon the travellers with peaceful contentment , —Mirror and Keystone . 3 H