An Analysis Of Ancient And Modern Freemasonry.

certain modifications , into the London Grand Lodge . " We presume he refers to the version by the Rev . Adam Brown , who was one of the Chaplains to H . R . H . the Duke of Sussex , Grand First Principal , A . D . 1835 , and if so , we certainly admit that the present ritual is vastly different to the one used at ancl before the union of A . D . 1813 .

Although it is now much improved , it still requires careful alteration in several parts of its ritual in order to constitute it well worthy of the acceptance of a highly educated generation , and it is gratifying to find that amidst all the innovations by the

accomplished Bro . Ramsay and others , they Avere careful to preserve and retain that sublime reference to Jehovah as " The Great Architect of the Universe , which formed a principal element in the constitution of Athelstan , ivas renewed at

the revival in 1717 , and still animates an improved system of Freemasonry . Without any desire for more than truth , and that alone , allow me to conclude this part of my Analysis in the words of Dr . Oliver , " Thus have I

detailed the chief varieties in the different systems of Royal Arch Masonry . I am afraid , hoAvever , that those brethren and comnanions who have been in

the habit of valuing the Royal Arch degree on account of its antiquity , Avill be sadly disappointed to find it thus shorn of one of its brightest attributes , viz ., antiquity . But there is rather cause for congratulation than regret ; for what can be

fairer or more desirable than truth ? The degree loses none of its excellencies by being shown to be of modern origin . I have been anxious to clear up this dark problem in the history of Masonry ; and if I have been successful , the time I have

employed in the investigation has not been illbestowed . It must be evident to every candid reader , that in these suggestions I have been actuated by no other motives than those which have influenced my career in the cause of

Freemasonry , viz ., a high veneration for its sublime qualities ; a love of its principles , not to be subdued by any earthly influence ; and an arduous desire to remove every objectionable impediment . ( To be continued . )

TJUDEE date Malta , May , 25 th , we learn from the Times of May 26 th , that "lettersreceived here from Smyrna to the 17 th u \ t ., report that on the preceding day Mr . Vanlennep and Mr . Stevens , an engineer , had been kidnapped by a band of thirty brigands . A ransom of £ 3 , 000 is demanded for these gentlemen under a threat of sending in their heads . The family of Mr . Vanlennep proposed to send £ 1 , 500 on the 18 th ult . " Mr . J . AV . Stevens was S . W . of the Homer Lodge of Smyrna .

(No. 12).—Truth Stranger Than Fiction.

( No . 12 ) . —TRUTH STRANGER THAN FICTION .

The authoresses of "East Lynne'' and "Lady Audley ' s Secret , " have often been denounced for writing " sensational novels , " but wonderful as are the plots and counterplots which the brilliant imaginations of those writers—whom in spite of all the

critics we cannot help liking—have woven into romance , Ave believe that there are often occurrences in real life which far transcend the most extraordinary nights of fancy which authors may indulge in . The following incident furnishes a case in point . In Guernsey we

had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of Bro . Wakley , who was then W . M . of Loyalty Lodge , and Grand Junior Warden of the province . Bro . Wakley often pleased us by the plain , common-sense , and eminently fraternal speeches which he made on festive

occasions , and ive may say that throughout the island he was much respected as a man of unimpeachable veracity . A graphic account of one event in Bro . Wakley's life , which cannot fail to remain imprinted ou his memory as long as life can last , ivas given hy

him at a meeting of the Loyalty Lodge , Guernsey , held on November , 21 st , 1866 , a report of which appears in the MJIGAZIXE of December 1 st , 186 b * . We venture to say that if Miss Braddon or Mrs . Henry Wood had published iu any of their works , a

narrative like this , they would have been told that it was not . only improbable but impossible , but the facts resting upon incontrovertible testimony are not more strange than true .

Bro . C . J . Carleton , of Doyle ' s Lodge of Fellowship , Guernsey , told us of another case in which Freemasonry had prevented a fracas . A landed proprietor in the south of Ireland having been defrauded by his steward , issued an advertisement to the effect

that " all the tenants " of Captain were requested to meet him at an hotel in Cork on a certain day , whereupon the editor of a local paper published a facetious article , headed "A Strange Landlord , " and intimating that the Captain must be a curious

person not to know the addresses of his own tenants . This put Captain ¦ in a furious rage , and he at once purchased a pair of pistols , and a heavy whip for the purpose of offering the offending editor the alternatives of an apology , a duel , or a horsewhipping .

Arrived at his hotel in Cork he met a very agreeable gentleman at dinner , whom he discovered to be a fellow-Mason , and getting comfortable and chatty over dessert the Captain enquired if he knew Mr . and then proceeded to explain confidentially

, the object of his visit ; tha pistols and ivhip eliciting the warm admiration of the gentleman . Next day the Captain proceeded to Mr . ' s office , and on being ushered into the editorial sanctum was suprised