Masonic Archæological Institute.

W . F . Short , ( P . G . Chaplain , Oxford ) , M . A ., New College , Oxford . William Smith , C . F-, ( P . G . Steward , P . M ., & c . ); F . B . G . S ., F . G . S .. E . J . Spiers , ( D . P . G . M ., Oxford , P . G . S . B . ); F . S . A ., member of the Oxford Archaeological Society .

Bro . Hyde Clark , has been appointed Treasurer ; and Bi'o . Hyde Pullen , Hon . Sec . It is not likely that meetings of the Institute will be held this season , as some time will be occupied in enrolling members . The plan has

met with the approval of many leading Masonic authorities , and of writers on Masonry in the metropolis and the provinces . The Right Hon . the Earl of Dalhousie , M . W . G . M ., of Scotland , has kindly consented to

become one of the Patrons , as a testimony of the interest felt in such researches by the Masons of Scotland . Several papers are in preparation , ancl it is hoped that specimens will be obtained for

exhibition from the interesting collections of Bro . rjeeson , the late Bro . Gray Clarke , and other eminent votaries of Masonic history and learning . It is trusted that the Grand Lodge of England , —so many members of which have given their

cordial approval—will find means of promoting an Institution so well calculated to advance the best interests of Masonry .

The Mission Of The Mason.

THE MISSION OF THE MASON .

By III . Bro . RAMSAY , K . T . 32 , ° The mission of the Mason is , I fear , very imperfectly understood by a vast number of our brethren ; all are too apt to follow individual theories , and devote themselves to special branches

of our mystic art . One class , in their zeal , labour solely for the welfare of a particular rite , others devote their attention exclusively to the ritual , whilst a third division looks upon the ceremonies as of secondary importance , and makes his

speciality the landmarks and constitution . All these objects are praiseworthy in themselves , but fchey must all three be united and then they are merely as a " sounding brass and ^; a tinkling cymbal" unless combined with the noble

principles of our Fraternity . For example , review for a moment the steps of the initiate as he conforms to the time-honoured ceremonies of the E . A . degree . What does he learn there ? Does he not there accept his mission ? His petition has

The Mission Of The Mason.

been reported favourable , the ballot has been found " clear , " aud yet he cannot be received till he has answered , upon his honour , certain deep and searching questions , and before he is allowed even after that to perform " the

circumambulation" he is tested in a manner peculiar to ourselves regarding his faith in the first and all important landmark of our Order . If that test proves unsatisfactory no power can make us welcome him as a brother , no influence can remove the barrier . But if his trust in the Great

Architect of the U inverse what words of fraternal love are whispered in his ear , and at every step he becomes more impressed with the solemn and awful leap he has taken ; till at last as the light bursts upon him , and he beholds for the first time

those three great lights of Masonry , whicli inculcate such noble principles that he feels that to perform his mission , it will require him to devote every effort ancl every energy during his life , to this glorious undertaking—the reward of which

will be a place in " the Grand Lodge above where the Supreme Grand Master for ever presides . " And so I might exemplify every little point and feature of this beautiful degree . Every niomenfr is the mission of the Mason being elucidated . The

preparatory ceremony , the shock of entrance , the sacred test , the badge " more ancient than the Golden Fleece or Roman Eagle ; more honourable than the star and garter ; " our peculiar rites , our lectures pregnant with noble principles and divine

thoughts , all leadj the mind of the neophyte to contemplate that grand fundamental truth " The Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man . " All the surroundings impress him with the vast responsibilities he is assuming , no one of which

can ever " conflict with his duty to God , his country , his neighbour , or himself . " If these are the lessons taught in the first degree of our noble fabric , what mission has every Mason promised to perform ? In the first place I hold it to be his

duty to so quietly yet earnestly work in his mission , that the world will admit him to be a " good man and true "—Let him ever show by his daily walk that his faith and hope are placed in the Sup . G . M . 0 . T . U . Let him be a peaceful citizen

and obey the laws of the country in which ha dwells ; let him live strictly up to that glorious tenet of Brotherly Love ; let him ever be ready to relieve the distressed , the widow , and the orphan , as far as he is able ; let him be upright , honourable , and truthful—and finally let him exercise Charity .