The " Prince Of Wales's Own " Lodge,

Viceregal Lodge , Dublin , August 6 . " Ir , —I am desired by the Prince of Wales to request you to have the goodness to convey to the Master , Wardens , and Members of the Prince of Wales ' s Own Masonic Lodge CLIV , Belfast , his thanks for the resolutions contained in their address ,

• and to inform you that it will afford his Royal Highness great pleasure to become an honorary member of the Lodge in question . — I have the 'honour to be , Sir , your very obedient servant , "Fiancis Knollys , Private Secretary . " Mr . C . Stewart , Masonic Hall , Belfast . "

Increase Of Numbers In Masonry.

INCREASE OF NUMBERS IN MASONRY .

The Grand Lodge of Michigan has issued the 'following circular to its Lodges , and it is so opportune , and full of practical truths , that we rereproduce it , and recommend its reading by all Masons whithersoever dispersed :

" Worshipful Master , Wardens aud Brethren : The attention of the Grand Lodge of F . and A . Masons of the State of Michigan has been called to the prevalence and rapid increase of certain Masonic evils that result from the rapid growth

and apparent prosperity of our Order in this jurisdiction . That these evils exist is apparent to all ; . -and this Grand Lodge , convinced of the importance of eradicating them as speedily as possible from the Lodges under its care , takes this

unusual means to admonish you of the necessity of reform in the following particulars , viz : Our numerical growth has been so rapid that we have become proud of it , and have been so willing—perhaps so anxious—to increase our

membership , that we have , for a time , forgotten those rules of prudence that should guide and govern Masons at all times , in the making of Masons . Too often the profane are solicited and urged to join the Order . In some cases this proceeds from an indiscreet zeal in behalf of an institution we

love ; but too often it is the result of rivalry between Lodges . In the anxiety to grow—to be a large lodge—to have an overflowing treasury—we forget to exclude the unworthy . Thus , while we grow in numbers , we are decreasing in that

moral strength which should always be found in a Masonic Lodge . Masonry being now on the high tide of prosperity and popularity , many are attracted to it , not because they love it , but because it is popular . Many join the Order , not because they wish to be

purified by its influences , but because they wish to turn it to account . The reputation of Masonry being good , the mercenary seek our endorsement in order to obtain character and credit . We are thus incurring moral liabilities and losses which

damage our standing in the world . Our love of growth and our pride in our Order , which are natural enough , and which , if kept within strict Masonic limits , are harmless enough , tempt us to seek far too much the applause of the

world . We boast too much before the world of the beauties and blessings of Masonry : we exhibi ourselves in Masonic processions on occasions not Masonic : and in other ways manifest undue anxiety to be seen and known , and admired , as Masons . This , brethren , is Masonic vanity , and not Masonry .

This undue sensitiveness to the world ' s opinion , on the other hand , is too apt to betray us into useless arguments with those who , through ignorance , ridicule or assail us ; by which means we are unsuspectingly led into a violation of one of our

first and most important obligations . The popularity of our institution is such that the ambitious , anxious to wear its honours , but forgetful of true Masonic modesty , too often resort to discreditable manoeuvering and tactics to win

and wear its jewelled collars . This ought not so to be . Brethren , the white gloves and apron of . a Master Mason , if worthily worn , are the highest badge of honour a man can wear . We should be more careful to wear these worthily , and

be less anxious to assume the jewels of office ; for though the latter may represent power , they do not always indicate purity .

We are neglecting too much that policy of inviolable secrecy which formerly has characterised the Order , by the observance of which we have preserved not only our purity , but our very existence . This neglect of Masonic secrecy is a

great and growing- evil . The world hears far too much of the work and of the business of the Lodge . How is it , and why is it , brethren , that the secrets of the ballot , that should not be divulged even in the Lodge , are so often the sport

of the world ? The prevailing failure to preserve our strict rule of silence bodes no good to Masonry . It must be speedily checked , or there will be left to us but little of that * harmony' which constitutes our chief * strength .- ' It is an evidence of our degeneracy that we are