Masonic Processions.

differences , and no rancour is allayed with greater difficulty than that which is engendered by political disputes . Hence the Freemasons have adopted an inflexible rule that neither theology nor politics are to be alluded to in their meetings .

Freemasonry includes men of every creed , and every variety of political convictions . It aims not at religious objects except as they may be furthered by morality , Every religion to be effective must be moral , but all men know how very careful many

religious professors are lest they should carry the golden rule too much into practice . Morality , all men agree , is essential to the peace of the world , and the progress of mankind . It is this which is the distinguishing feature between barbarism and

civilisation , the line of demarcation which separates the savage from the man . It is obvious that the great principles of morality afford a grand

meeting point to which men of every nation and language , and of all religions may converge , and this point is occupied by Freemasonry . " It is not our purpose to enter into the question ¦ of the antiquity of the Craft . Suffice it to say

that it is at least too ancient for its origin to be clearly traced . For ages its light has been shed over mankind : now with a bright effulgence , aud mow , as interest in its proceedings has flagged , with only a glimmering ray ; but like the sacred

fire it has never been extinguished , and has always been doing its work of charity and goodwill effectually , if unobtrusively . Can as much be said for any of the ancient or modern forms of polity which have agitated nations and

¦ convulsed the world ? Can it be said of any creed , living or dead , that it affords no room for difference of opinion , or that-schism is impossible within its fold ? Within the walls of a

Freemasons' lodge may be seen men of every belief under heaven—the Mahometan , the Hindoo , the Jew , the Greek , the Churchman , the Dissenter , and even—notwithstanding the anathemas of the of the Pope—the Roman Catholic . And so

politicians of every shade of political faith—the Whig , the Tory , the Radical , being loyal men—are of one mind when they meet under the banners of Freemasonry . The slightest reference to questions of religion or politics is at once suppressed—the

strife engendered of such topics is left without the doors of the lodge , and what the world would be without religious rancour and political squabbling , a Freemasons' lodge really and actually is . ' It is most important that upon every occasion

this Masonic separation from all other societies should be scrupulously and rigorously maintained . Where there is a fusion of members of other bodies there is at least the danger of misunderstanding and error . We deprecate the appearance

of Freemasons in public processions , unless on very special and exceptional occasions . The very constitution of the Fraternity forbids it unless with the sanction of the Grand Master or the

Provincial Grand Master for the time being , and we are solicitous that this permission should be accorded with circumspection and with jealousy . Above all , the emblems of Freemasonry ought never to be exhibited in company with those of

spurious institutions , nor disgraced by association with the flags and sashes of all sorts of " friendly societies , " so called . But , however objectionable this exhibition may be , it is infinitely less so than an association , however temporary , with societies

that have a professedly political significance , and we fear that such a mistake is about to be committed in connection with the laying of the corner stone of the Church of St . Edmund , at Falinge , near Rochdale , on this very day . " Itis announced that a procession will be formed ,

and that the ceremony is to take place " with full Masonic honours . ' ' The following extraordinary list of societies is given as a part of the calvacade : the Druids , the Foresters , the Shepherds , the Oddfellows , the Gardners , and the Plougboys .

What the emblems of these "friendly societies " may be we can only speculate . The Druids may figure in white beards and mistletoe , the Foresters may be armed with the cross-bow and the horn , the Shepherds may mount their crooks , the

Gardeners may shoulder their shovels aud rakes , and the Ploughboys may harrow the public by an exhibition of the implements of their calling . What the Oddfellows may do to distinguish themselves , we are not able to suggest , but it is clear to us that the whole collection of these benefit

societies is not likely to shed additional lustre upon Freemasonry . But the list does not end here . There is a body of " Orangemen , " aud also a " Conservative Association , " both of which will figure in company with the Masons . This is

a serious and most objectionable featnre iu the programme , and one which , we do not hesitate to declare , ought to j ^ revent the attendance of every conscientious Freemason . " The Orangemen are an essentially politico - religious body . They are staunch in their Pro-