Freemasonry And Christianity.

that Ave may come to his bliss that shall never have an end . " So far I have , in this first degree of Masonry , by feAV out of very many references to the New Testament , ancl otherwise , sought to show that true

Masonry is founded on Christianity , in the third degree the same Scripture references are , in many cases , applicable , whilst , in the old Lectures , as I hope hereafter to be able to SIIOAY , the Christian references are , in that degree , much more numerous .

We are taught that the three grand principles on which Masonry is founded are , brotherly love , and relief ( a Charity strictly enjoined ancl accurately defined ; whilst there can be but one truth , taken as a whole , and our blessed Saviour has declared that He is "fche Avay , the truth , and the life . " ( To be continued . )

Masonic Authors Society And Literary Union.

MASONIC AUTHORS SOCIETY AND LITERARY UNION .

It is Avith much pleasure thafc Ave hail the gathering into one broad band of felloAVship of our literary brethren throughout the globe- The want of such a felloAvship has often been felt , and save in a few isolated cases , where a brother desired to

interchange thoughts with his brother upon Masonic matters in dispute , no opportunity of each pulse beating in harmony Avith the great Masonic heart could be obtained .

Certain brethren of Avell knoAvn literary tastes , and of decided Masonic proclivities , some time ago began the organising of a literary society , the object of which should be the elimination of the doctrines and mysteries of " Craft" or " St .

John's" Masonry , the zealous support of the various Grand Lodges , the annually putting forth one good Masonic Avork at a price AA'ifchin the reach of all , and , lastly , to oiler a vigorous stand . against all innovations upon tho ancient

landmarks , and to hold up pure and unsullied the grand banner of St . John ' s Freemasonry . The divisions of the Society are five , —Europe , Asia , Africa , America , aud Australia , —with their several provinces . We cannot enter fully into

particulars as yet , but we understand that the European provinces are : —1 . Scotland ; 2 . England ; 3 . Ireland ; 4 . France ; 5 . Prussia ; 6 . Italy ; 7 . Scandanavia ( Denmark , Sweden , and Norway ); 8 . Saxony ( including tlie other German Grand Lodges ) 9 . Belgium and the Netherlands .

Masonic Authors Society And Literary Union.

The General Council has its seat afc Edinburgh , where the President resides . Among the names of the members we see : —Anthony Oneal Haye , President-General ; William Hunter , Treasurer-General ; J . H . M . Bairnsfather , Secretary-General ;

David Murray Lyon , Corresponding Secretary for Scotland ; William Alexander Laurie , Grand Secretary , Grand Lodge of Scotland ; ¦ John Morrison , Advocate ; Williani James Hughan , Corresponding Secretary for England ; Dr . Henry

Hopkins ; Dr . John Pearson Bell ; William Smith , O . K . ; Richard Woof , F . 8 . A . ; George Bease , Masonic " Record of Western India , Editor , Corresponding Member for Bombay ; W . H . Richardson , Masonic Review , Baltimore , & c . We

understand that Mr . Robert Morris , Past G . M ., Kentucky , and Dr . Albert G . Mackay , the noted Masonic authors of America , are also elected Corresponding Members for the United States ; and J . G . Findel , Leipzig ; Dr . Van Darken ,

Berlin ; with other Masons of note in Germany , ifc is expected will act in the same capacity ; so that no efforts will be spared by the Council to place the Society on a broad and representative basis .

The organs ofthe society AVIII be , FREEMASONS MAGAZINE , England ; Voice of Masonry , Masonic " Review , & c , America , " Dei Bcviihutle , Leipsig ; Masonic Record of Wcstar-n India , Bombay , & c . The first work to be published by the Union

will he Bro . David Murray Lyon ' s " Notes on Mother Kihvinning , " a Avork of the greatest value , and Avhich will doubtless be hailed by the brethren with the same enthusiasm as met our talented brothers' " Recollections of the Thornhill

Lodge . " We hope to be able soon to refer to this subject again , as such a society , instituted for such ' puri 30 ses , ancl with such members , cannot fail to improve the tone of Masonry , and enforce her

claim to be the handmaid of God , and a religion of a broad and liberal faith , an open-heartedness , and a feeling for the frailties of humanity , not to be found in church or temple .

Masonic Notes And Queries.

MASONIC NOTES AND QUERIES .

TEACINO B 0 AHD . The tracing board was' formerly called the Tarsel Board for the Master to draw his designs upon , and he gave his illustrations iu chalk on a hoard , but more commonly the floor Avas chalked . — HXDE CLAMCE .