Archæology.

arc burnt . On the contrary , the Saxons seem , in all their settlements in this island , to have buried their dead unburnt . Now , I have long been persuaded , from circumstances quite unconnected with the researches into the cemeteries , that the Angle settlements iu Britain preceded the Saxon ones , or that , at least , if contemporary in their origin , they proceeded much more rapidly ; ancl then the Mercians , an Angle race , and whose cemeteries ,

where ive can absolutely identify them by their locality , as in Nottinghamshire , Derbyshire , & c , consist almost entirely of urn-burial , had made their way across the ivhole centre of the island , and established themselves far into the border of Wales , ancl had descended southwards to the banks of the Thames in its upper course , before the AVest Saxons had advanced so far . When wc first hear of them historically , we find the Mercians on this

line of border , contending against the West Saxons , ancl the latter gradually gained from them a considerable extent of territory , including much of Gloucestershire , Oxfordshire , and Buckinghamshire , where probably the population remained- mixed . I have , therefore , expected , that on this line of country , when we opened Anglo-Saxon cemeteries , we should find the mixture of the two modes of burial , Angle and Saxon , and these researches of Mr . Akerman seem to fulfil those anticipations . No one , therefore , can set more value on Mr . Akcnnan's labours than myself . "

Character And Advantages Of Freemasonry.

CHARACTER AND ADVANTAGES OF FREEMASONRY .

BY nnoniEit i :. LEI ' JMJ , of WUIIIAU . FiiEEMAsoxiiY in its tendency is of an everlasting character , for it embraces truth and moral perfection , ancl inculcates them as the true and only means of man's development , if he will pass through life in the ri ght direction . The Craft has been persecuted , and vilified , and is even now frequently by the thoughtless world described to bo a dangerous association , and likely to fall of

itself ; but it has stood , while sceptres have been broken , arms have rusted , and the glory of heroes has passed from memory . The reason is , that Freemasonry is a germ planted within us , which is transplanted from age to age , and is consequently indestructible . Taking its principles , in a bodily and spiritual light , we are led to become more prudent ancl wise than others , to become lights for their guidance in trouble , and the administrators of

comfort in the hour of death . Its principles arc embraced in active benevolence , and it is only on that ground that Freemasonry is never at rest . All wealth may flee away and health decline , but the charity of the brethren remaineth towards mankind , in imitation of the divine love . The recollection of having passed an active life of benevolence , supports man in his declining hours . Let us , therefore , embrace the sacred

principles of Freemasonry , let us make good use of the present time , and never mind the ominous midni ght when our labour ceases . Our course is clear , till we approach the risible temple of the Great God of the universe , there to receive our reward . It may be unpleasant on inauj' occasions , and lead for the present to a disadvantage , to find a subject , the scope of which is for the general good of mankindtreated with indifferencefalsel

, , y construed , and perhaps met with frivolous opposition ; but it must eventually follow that the truth at last succeeds , and becomes the more convincing . This ivas the case at the outset with many important opinions for the benefit of society , which have yet been established in the end . The same must be admitted in the case of Freemasonry , and the ultimate realization of its great principles . Facts in the meanwhile on to convinceand the conduct '

go , of the disciples will further aid to render the seed already sown finall y productive . Freemasonry also inculcates self-examination , and as this is the foundation of wisdom , it becomes a propaganda , or a doctrine essential to man ' s happiness . —Die Bauliiitte .

POPUI . AIUTV . —I have heard of an occasion where the betlieral made his wits to furnish an apology for his want of sobriety . He had been sent round the parish by the minister to deliver notices at all the houses of the catechising which was to precede the preparation for receiving the communion . On his return it was quite evident that he had partaken too largely of refreshment since he had been on his expedition . The minister reproached him on this improper conduct . The betlieral

pleaded the pressing hospitality ot the parishioners . Tho clergyman did not admit the plea , and added , " Jfow , John , 1 go through the parish , and you don ' t see me return foil as you have done . " " Ay , minister , " rejoined the betlieral , " with much complacency , " but then aiblins ye ' re no sae popular i' the parish as ine . "—Z >« w Ramsay .

Freemasonry In New South Wales.

FREEMASONRY IN NEW SOUTH WALES .

[ From the Illustrated Sydney Summary , ' ] TUB scope of this article is intended rather as an introduction to , than as a , precis of , the present condition of that noble institution in these parts . To those to whom the following remarks are more especially addressed , it is hardly necessary to state that Freemasonry is essentially progressive ; not as to the knowledge to be imparted

, biit with regard to the dissemination of its practices , and the extension of its confines . The excellence of its practices and their tendency to make men better , whether in their social , moral , or political relations , being felt by all , it has been the universal desire to bring as many as possible to share in the same refinement ; and , though precluded by the nature of the institution from proselytising , still , indirectly , by the evidence in themselves

of those high virtues which arc cherished by the Order , inquiry by the world is stimulated , —and the consequent curiosity , properly directed , it has been found very possible to gratify . The same feelings here , we are happy to say are not obliterated . But , for reasons not necessary now to advert to , Freemasonry has not made such rapid strides as wc coulcl wish . A great lack in the youths of the colony has been feltand this is the more to

, be wondered at on account of their social disposition and fraternising tendencies , which would naturally lead them to admire an institution where reciprocal tendencies were taught and enforced . From this it may be inferred that the institution here is supported iu a great measure by those who , migrating to these parts , were cither made before or since their arrival . It will , however , be matter of satisfaction to know that there are many honourable

exceptions . At present , the highest office in a subordinate Loclge is occupied by a genuine son of the soil , and another ( now deceased ) whose virtues were the admiration of the country and of the Craft , held the high office of Provincial Grand Master under the Constitution of Scotland ; and for the future , we have no apprehensions as to the retardation of the mission of Freemasonry in these parts . Till every one be a Freemason , the object of the institution is so much undeveloped ; aud it will be not too much to say that the full force of this conviction is sustained by the brotherhood here .

Even now , as will be seen from below , Lodges of Freemasonry are by no means scanty . Neither to Sydney only are they confined . Lodges exist in nearly all of the important settlements . Already the foundation stone of a hall for the practice of Masonic rights has been laid in the far interior ; ancl already the sombre solitude of the "bush" has been enlivened by the hilarity of the mystic choir .

The great desideratum—the efficiency of the officers—has not been felt here . Many arc the names of those who , superseded in their labours , can reflect on their past endeavours as not unproductive . The attendance of the brotherhood , as a consequence , is marked ; and the existence of Masonic feeling may be " deduced from their gradual numerical increase . Nor arc they unmindful of those duties which in all ages have distinguished the Craft .

Situated in a country where , from peculiar circumstances , the claims on Masonic benevolence were numerous , we arc aware of no instance ivhere the hand has been refused , or where the heart has remained callous to the call of virtuous distress .

Many instances could be given where distress , bowing the suffering Alason , has been softened hy the soothing inspiration and the cordial sympathy extended . As one out of many , we take the following : — A Captain II having come to this countiy , moved to the gold fields , ivhere , from tbe severity of the labour ( to any kind of which he had never been accustomed ) , and the anxieties

consequent on an unsuccessful digger's life , he became a victim to disease . He was removed to Sydney for medical treatment . His finances being at the lowest ebb . and being a stranger , he knew not how to replenish them , when he bethought himself of the Order of which he was a member . His wants were promptly attended to ; aud dying , his interment was undertaken b y one of the Lodges ; a deputation of which followed his remains to their

last resting place . Two circumstances in this case were peculiar . His circumstances in the home country were favourable ( but who was to guarantee this to the lending community ?) and since his arrival in the country he had not visited a Lodge . This latter circumstance very much influences the opinion of the brotherhood as to the worthiness of the applicant ; and wc advise brethren coining even under the most favourable circumstances not to postpone their visit to the Lodges till necessity has compelled them . The vicissitudes of fortune here arc proverbial ;