Masonic Pilgrimage To The Orient.

MASONIC PILGRIMAGE TO THE ORIENT .

LONDON , SATURDAY , DECEMBER 11 , 1867 .

Under the above title ( writes oar valued contributor , Bro . D . Murray Lyon ) , tliero appears in tiie September number of that really excellent transatlantic magazine , " The Voice of Masonry , " a letter addressed to the publisher , Bro . John 0 .

W . Bailey , in which Bro . Dr . Eobt . Morris , of La Grange , Kentucky , makes mention of his longcontemplated Masonic pilgrimage to Europe , Egypt , and the Holy Land , and in which he begs such of his readers as have given attention to the

subject to favour him with suggestions as to the best points of visitation and method of research . It is several months since our distinguished brother gave us an inkling of his intentions in the direction indicated in the letter under notice . To us

this information is as a " little cloud , like a man's hand , " in our Masonic horizon , betokening the near realisation of what AVO have long hoped for , viz ., personal converse with one whose friendshi p we hold clear and whose reputation as a Mason is

world-wide . That this great Masonic missionary Avill , on coming to the "land of his fathers , " meet Avith a befitting reception cannot be doubted . but to facilitate this , some little organisation is desirable , and seeing that Bro . Morris intends

leaving America early in January , there is no room for delay . Perhaps Bro . Hughan , of Truro , an esteemed correspondent of Bro . Morris , might take the initiative in this matter , at least as regards England . The writer is already in communication

Avith brethren . Avhose counsel auent the doctor's reception in Scotland points the way to success . From the limited [ time at Dr . Morris ' s disposal , taking into account the magnitude of his undertaking , Edinburgh , Glasgow , and Kilwinning will in all likelihood be the Masonic centres of his Masonic communications in Scotland . HR

may probably-.. visit about five points iu England , two in Ireland , two in France , one in Prussia , one in Saxony , one in Holland , and one in Sweden . To Bro . J . G . Findel , of Leipsic , and other kindred spirits on the Continent this simple announcement

will , Ave are assured , be enough to awaken thensympathies Avith , and enlist their fraternal aid in the advancement of the object of Dr . Morris ' s mission . To quote from "The Voice : " —I shall first visit one or more prime centres of Masonic authority in

each of the following jurisdictions , viz ., England , Scotland , Ireland , France , Prussia , Sweden , Switzerland , Holland , and Italy . Thence my route will take in , but very briefly ,. Egypt . The remaining , but much larger portion of my

pilgrimage , will be given to tho Holy Land . The following general idea of my proposed Oriental researches "will guide your readers to the whole : —¦ I . As our ancient brethren , the Builders of King-Solomon , were natives of Phoenicia , of which

Tyre , Sidon , ancl Gebal were centre- * , I shall explore that remarkable plain , which was for so many centuries the school of the woritl in commerce , architecture , and tho liberal : u-ts ancl sciences . My first landing will be at Beyrout , and my first researches in the plains of Phoenicia .

II . As our ancient brethren derived ( he cedars , the principal wood used in the construction of the temple , from the mountains overhanging Phoenicia on the east , my feet will next trace the mountain paths to the head of Wady Kadeeshy . to that recess in the central ridge of Lebanon where the -1-00 renminbi . ! ' trees of the once boundless cedar

forests are found . The height , size , ancl foliage of the trees , the characteristics of the timber , & c , Avill have careful and thorough examination . III . As the Gibbites lowered the vast cedar trunks down the mountainous declivities , and

collected them in rafts at the shipping ports , it Avill be my next business to look out the inlets and coves Avhere such work could most fitly bo accomplished .

IV . As the mariners of King Hiram rnfted the precious timbers 75 to 100 miles southw . u-d , down a dangerous coast , I will , follow their w .-uory track , carefully noting the headlands , coA es and breakers , observant of all historical objects that d ; a-act the eye on that famous coast .

V . As the amphibious workmen deburked thenfrei ght at Joppa , that old and far i ; i ;;; ud city , there , too , will I land , and , from every possible point of view , take observations of the liii ' l known to every Freemason .

V . As our ancient brethren bore tho-e heavy masses across the country thirty-five mi . es , from Joppa to Jerusalem , 1 will follow then ! ' ¦¦ itstops , mark carefully the landmarks of the w : \ , search out of the numerous defilesleading u . i in Co the

, hilly country , the highway most likely t h ¦ ve been improved for purposes of transportatio n ¦ . I used by Hiram ' s men .