Bengal Masonic Association For Educating Children Of Indigent Freemasons.

August 18 , 1863 . Mrs . Jackson not being in attendance with her children as directed by the Hon . Sec , the meeting was unable to consider the case , and the application was consequently thrown out . The Secretary was at the same time requested to inform the applicant that her case would be re-considered at the General Meeting in December next , provided that he application was

submitted de novo to the Secretary on or before the 1 st day of November ; under the provisions of the 16 th bye-law . An application was read from Mr . H . "W " . Sheppard , to the effect that a donation of lOOrs , which had been been entered in the books of the Association , under his name , mig ht be transferred to the name of Mr J . G . Burbidge . It was explained that the sum of lOOrs . had

been subscribed by the brethren of St . Andrew in the East Lodge , No- -101 , of the Scotch Constitution , to purchase a Life Governorship in the Association in the name of Mr Burbidge as a testimonial in recognition of his services as Master of the lodge ; that this sum had been forwarded to the Treasurer of the Association by Bro . Sheppard in his capacity of Secretary to the lodge , but

without any intimation as to how it was to bo credited ; and that the Treasurer had consequently entered it as a donation from Mr Sheppard , entitling him to the privileges of a Life Governor . On the question being put it was determined that the mutation of name be permitted as solicited , and that the donation should stand in the name of Bro . J . G . Burbidge instead of that of Bro .

Sheppard . The Treasurer was instructed to alter his books accordingly . After the usual vote of thanks to the Chair , the meeting separated . HUGH SAXDEMAX , President . W . B . FARH , Secretary .

Language Of Masonry.

LANGUAGE OF MASONRY .

By AVILLIAM ROUNSEVILLE . Masonry has become universal . All over the globe , in all climes and countries , Masons are found . This could never have become a fact , but that it possessed and taught a universal language . If it were impossible for one brother lo make himself known as such to another , wherever they happened to meet , the fraternity would bo

circumscribed in the sphere of its operations , and confined to those portions of the earth where its language could be comprehended . The adoption of a universal languageone that can be easily taught and safely retained—that can be understood by everyone who has mastered its alphabet , and is alike heeded by him , and by those who have traced its sacred words to their most recondite

meanings , have become a necessity . Here is the cause of the universal language of Masonry . Necessity was its mother . To make this universal language a moans of easy and effective fraternal communication , it must be secret and simple—sacredly cherished by the brotherhood , and so plain and easy of comprehension , "that the wayfaring man , though a fool , need not err therein . "

Herein is the necessity of secrecy , that we may know a brother wherever we may meet him . If the language of Masonry was open to the understanding of everyone ' who saw cause or had an inclination to study it , it would cease to be valuable , and fail to accomplish the purpose for which it w ; as invented . The care with which it is guarded preserves it in its purity , and assures its availability .

When the wandering Mason grasps tho hand of one whom he meets and feels the " mystic grip , " his heart goes out to him as a brother . He feels that he has found a friend . He knows ho may repose trust in him . If in trouble , he may command his assistance ; if in prosperity , he knows he has mot one who will rejoice with him . He knows that somewhere in the broad world a body of respectable men , governed by sound moral principle , and actuated by charitable and noble impulses , has pronounced this stranger , whom he now holds by the hand , as honest

and trustworthy—as fit to be a member of the universal brotherhood . But if the language of Masonry was common to all , there could be none of this assurance be conveyed through the agency of the method of recognition . Secrecy is one inherent element of success , which cannot be secured without it . And we cannot see wherein lies

the harm in this method of recognizing friends . We send by a friend a letter introducing him to another friend , with whom we wish him to become acquainted . By this means we further business matters , and even secure political advantages ; and no one finds fault with , this procedure . Even the most bitter opponents of secrecy do not object to it , bub make use of it every day of

their lives . The language of Masonry is a letter of introduction to the fraternity wherever scattered abroad . He who can present the letter , and translate its language , shows that he is woi-ehi " , just as he who can present a recommendation over the autograph of a mutual friend , proves his standing , and there is no greater wrong in the one instance than the other . There is , however , this

preference given to the letter written in Masonic language : the simple letter of introduction is written on the spur of the moment , and often contains anything but the real sentiments of its author ; the Masonic document is given in the most solemn and formal manner , after a full investigation into the character of the bearer . It is not very plain , then , why Masonic language is so

much more henious when practically used , than the more common language of mankind , But it is also necessary to constitute a universal language that ib should be easily understood , without hard study , and remembered without difficulty . The founders of the Masonic system were peculiarly happy in this regard in establishing the language of the Order . Months are required of intense application for an individual to master the mysteries of a foreign lanauaere . and then he freauentlv finds himself at a

loss to understand the meaning of its terms . But a few hours will serve to instruct a man of ordinary intelligence and ability in the universal language , and so impress ib upon his mind that he will respond to its silent bub all-powerful demands when or . the opposite side of the globe , or beyond a lapse of scores of years . He never forgets it . Ibis so natural and simple

that it is spontaneously received , cherished , and remembered . He can read the recommendatory lebter in the dark as well as in the light , and no lapse of time corrodes the parchment on which ib is impressed , or fades the ink with which it is traced . Thus ibis that the language of Masonry , simple and secret , in this place an important alliteration , has become universal .

The effect which this language has upon the wellbeing of mankind , is well nigh incalculable . We ask the reader to call to mind what has been shown to be the influence and objects of Masonry . He will recollect that it is eminently a harmonising institution ; that its devotees go out from its thousands of lodges impressed with the idea of virtue , benevolence , and charity . He

will recollect that all the ceremonies have a tendency to soften the affections , to refine the natures , and to expand the feelings of those who pass through them . These traits of character are implanted , or at least cultivated in hundreds of thousands of hearts , to such a degree as to make charity an active and pervading principle . Masonic language is the expression of . this

principle . Whenever a brother hoars the language , or reads that unwritten or mysterious system of communication which the founders of Masonry adopted , all these teachings are brought bo his mind in refreshing significance , and the wellsprings of generosity are at flood in his heart . He remembers the lessons of love and regard for God ' s creatures which he has been taught . He recollects bhe dubies which he owes to that brother whoso hand he clasps , and who is able to pronounoo the words of the sacred language .