Provincial.

Lo Cras , AV . AI ., the chairs of tho Wardens being occupied respectively by Bros . Ratier and Bluet . The questions on the first degree were then put to Bro . Afaunan , of whom , if an opinion may be formed from the perfect manner in ivhich ho gave the responses , it may be predicted that he will spare no pains in his future Alasonie career to become acquainted Avith the rituals and ceremonies of the Order . The Loclge was then opened in tho second degree , and the candidate tor promotion , having been introduced with the usual formswas dulpassed to tho degree of

, y Follow Craft . Bro . D'Alhin now took the chair of S . W . Tho Lodge was resumed in the first degree . The AVAL was relieved by Bro . Schmitt , P . M ., who kindly undertook the next ceremony , which consisted of the initiation of Dr . A . Krug , ivho , having been balloted for at a previous meeting , ivas thus admitted to the mysteries and privileges of Freemasonry , in the course of which proceeding Bro . Baudains , the S . AV . of the Loclge , arrived and occupied his chair of office . At

tho close of the ceremony that of W 31 . was again taken by Bro . Le Cras . Bro . Schmitt read a petition from Harriette Asplet , daughter of the late Director of Ceremonies , praying for pecuniary assistance , on the ground that she had been compelled to abandon her calling of an instructress for five months , in order to minister to the comforts of her dying parent ; ^ that it would be some time before she would be able to recover her position and to gain a livelihood , and that though a grant of money , ( five pounds ) had been made from the benevolent fund of Grand Locl

ge , she had derived no personal benefit from it , having applied the sum to the liquidation of a few small liabilities of her late father , so that no stain might attach to his memory . Bro . Schmitt , after a few comments , proposed that the petition be received and handed over to the Committee of Benevolence , after having been signed by the proper officers as a recommendation . This was seconded by Bro . Biuet , and though objections were raised by two of the brethrenon being put to the vote

, it was carried . Bro . Ratier ivas noiv called upon by the AV . AI . to deliver an address to the brethren ivho had been initiated ancl advanced . The Orator informed them of the high privileges to which they hacl just been admitted ; he pointed out , in brief terms , the duties ivhich devolve upon them as Masons , towards their Creator and tlieir fellowcreatures ; in reference to the former , particularly urging them to consider themselves as responsible beings , who must hereafter have to

account for tlieir actions ; and as regards the latter , showing that Masonry inculcates new duties , new feelings towards those now united to them in the bond of brotherhood , whom they ivould find scattered oyer the whole habitable globe , ready to bestow acts of charity , of kindness , of devotion , as they ivould in turn claim them in time of need . He forcibly inculcated the obligation to look into tlieir own hearts , to examine their secret springs of action , under the guidance and teaching of the Sacred Volumeproving that sueh a search

, , faithfully and zealously conducted , ivill tend to the glory of the Great Architect of the universe , to the welfare of their fellow men , to their own powers of obedience , to Divine commands , and thus to tlieir eternal happiness . He remarked on the symbolism of the ivorking tools of tlio handicraftsman , which had to a certain extent been explained in the course of the ceremonies , observing that they were made to serve a high in their application to moral dutiesof

purpose , which they constantly remind us ; that thence is deduced the important lesson , that man is not placed in this ivorld Avith liberty to spend his days in idleness , but that he is bound to apply to beneficial employments the means and the talents ivherewith God has blessed him , thus evincing the advantage and dignity of useful labour . A striking contrast AVOS drawn between the so-called charity ivhich implies and necessitates no personal sacrifice of time , of wealth , of

powers , but is content ivith administering relief out of a superfluous abundance , the loss of which is not felt , mere alms giving , especially when accompanied by ostentation , aud that care for the feelings , wants and miseries of others , which opens the heart and hand , ancl

neglects no service consistent with prudence , by which distress of body or of mind may be alleviated . The Orator alluded to the difference between the Alasonie system , based as it is on tho A'olume of the Sacred Law , wide in its extent , universal in its application , viewed in a moral and religious aspect , and tho variety of disputed creeds and teachings prevalent among men who deem themselves religious , each according to his own particular views , and in ways vastly dissimilar . This led to observations on the antiquity , the sacred authority , and universality

of Freemasonry , for which he claimed the highest place , not only as a system of otliics , but also in what may be considered its more purely religious influences , as well as on account of its true philosophy , which he contended comprises all that is good in eveiy other system of the kind . lie concluded a discourse of half an hour ' s duration , of which only a slight sketch can here be offered , by an affectionate appeal , to tho recently initiated Masons to be zealous in the cause ivhich they had just espoused , to make the precepts , rituals and history of tho Order an

unceasing subject of study , and above all , so to regulate their conduct , as to prove their appreciation of the benefits of ivhich they have been made participators , and thus to receive the approving testimony of a clear conscience . The brethren present listened to this address with rigid attention , and at its close loudly applauded the distinguished Orator . The Loclge was then closed , and the brethren adjourned to another apartment for refreshment , under the presidency of the AV . M . The usual introductory Alasonie toasts having been disposed of , the health of the Right AVorshipful Prov . Grand Alaster was duly honoured , and replied to by him iu brief aud appropriate terms , The AV . AI . then

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introduced tho toast of tho evening "Health and prosperity to the respected Bro . Ratier , " in words of eulogy , of kindness , and of affection , which called forth strong expressions of feeling on the part of the brethren . Bro . R . replied with warmth to these renewed flattering marks of esteem , ancl to tho friendly reception which had been so spontaneously and generously accorded to him . It more forcibly than over impressed upon his mind the universality of the science of Freemasonry . Eight years ago , on his arrival in Jersey , ho for tho first time knocked at the

portals of this Lodge , which then and ever since have been cheerfully thrown open to him . Six months ago he had bidden adieu to his brethren , accompanying it with a promise to revisit them , iu testimony of his attachment to those with whom ho had spent so many -happy hours in works of labour and of agreeable social intercourse . He was present among them on this occasion to redeem the pledge thus given , and to enter anew on a similar engagement for the future . He received with thankfulness these gratifying marks of affection , of which he trusted

he should ever prove himself Avorthy , and assured them that nothing ivas wanting on their part to confer upon him a very high degree of happiness . In conclusion , he proposed the health of Bro . Krug and Bro . Alannau , one of whom had that evening first seen the light , and the other hacl most worthily been admitted to an extended participation in it . The toast hai'ing been duly honoured , Bro . Krug made a suitable and feeling reply , entreating the brethren to believe that no pains should be spared on his part to do credit to the Craft , and to merit the honourable title of which he had that clay been the recipient . After several other toasts had been given and replied to , interspersed ivith appropriate songs , the brethren separated at eleven o ' clock ,- !—H . H .

HERTFORDSHIRE , BERKHAMPSTEAD . —Berkhampstead Lodge ( No . 742 ) . —At the regular quarterly meeting , held on AA ednesday , April 4 th , at the King ' s Anns Hotel , in the absence of Bro . Barrenger , the AV . AI ., who was prevented attending through professional engagements , Bro . J . How presided and passed to the second degree Bro . William Lumley . The Loclge ivas honoured by the presence of Bro . George Francis , Prov . G . Reg . and P . Prov . D . G . M . ol Suriey , and Bro . Lee AVright , P . M . A o . 329 . Tho brethren , ' after the close of the business , adjourned to dinner , the worthy Secretary , Bro . C , H . Law , taking the chair , with his usual courtesy .

LANCASHIRE ( EAST . ) BURY . —Lodge of Belief ( No . 50 ) . —The monthly meeting of this old Lodge was helcl on Thursday evening , the 5 th instant , Avhen the Lodge was opened by the AV . AI ., Bro . Parks , assisted by his AA ardens , Bros . Fishwick aud Tweddell . The principal business consisted in passing Bros . Jackson and Richard Howard to the degree of F . C , and raising Bros . Robert Lever and Richard Grimshaw to the sublime degree of M . M . ; the ceremonies being performed by Bros . John Redfern , D . C , and AV . Binns , P . M .

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE . PETERBOROUGH . —St . Peter ' s Lodge ( No . 646 ) . —At the last meeting the Loclge having been duly opened by the AV . M ., the business of the evening consisted in Bros . Jones and Johnstone being raised to the third degree , Bro . Swallow passed to the second , ancl Mr . John Hopkinson initiated . The quarterly reports from Grand Loclge ivere laid before the Lodge . Air . John May ! in Vipan ivas balloted for and unanimously acceptedIt was proposed bBro . Catteland seconded bBro . AVaite

. y , y , that a Loclge of Instruction bo formed in connection with St . Peter ' s Lodge , the first Lodge to be held on Thursday , 19 th April , to ivhich the AV . AI . and the Loclge assented . Bro . G . S , Corley , of the Lodge of Merit , Oundle , was proposed as a joining member . Tho Lodge ivas then closed , ancl tbo brethren adjourned to refreshment .

SOMERSETSHIRE . HIGIIDRIDUE . —Rural Philanthropic Lodge ( No . 308 ) . —This Lodge helcl its monthly meeting at the Railway Hotel , private room , Highbridge , on Friday , the 30 th of March , I 860 , when the AV . AI . Bro . AV Harwood , attended for the first time after his severe illness , and not feeling able to perform the duties , he requested Bro . H . Bridges , P . M ., to preside . The minutes of Lodge held March 2 nd , 1800 , ivere read and confirmed . The ballot was taken for Mr . AVilliam Mole aud Air . Robert

Pople , and being approved ivere initiated into the Order . Bro . S . A . Heal , having been examined aud found duly qualified , was passed to the degree of Fellow Craft . Bro . Jos . Doel having been examined and found duly qualified , was raised to the subline degree of Alaster Mason . One Brother was proposed as a joining member , and one gentleman for initiation , to be balloted for at the next Loclge meeting , ivhich ivill bo held on Friday , Alay 4 th . After one or two letters had been read , the LoclAA'as closed in due formthe brethrennumbering twenty-seven

ge , , , adjourned for refreshment , and the evening was passed with true Alasonie feeling and harmony . SUSSEX . BRTGHTOX . —Royal York Lodge ( No . 394 ) . —Tho monthly meeting , the first under the presidency of the new AV . M ,, Bro . Freeman , was held at the Old Ship Hotel , ou Tuesday , the 3 rd instant , when three brethren were passed to the degree of F . C , ancl two raised to the degree

of M . M . The working was all that could be desired . On the folloiving Monday the brethren of the York Lodge of Instruction supped together at Bro . Hugh Saunders ' , Treasurer , when a very happy evening ivas spent .