Provincial.

innate principle of . association in all animals ; and a criterion by which to judge of the superiority of one portion of creation over another , would be the extent of friendship and kindness to each other existing in it : a Mason ' s philanthropy extending to the whole species , in every clime , exalted the Order above the common things of this world . Masonry had a being ever since symmetry beganand harmony displayed her charms . O . M .

, , by which we are sheltered from external inconveniences , is an inseparable adjunct to civilisation , as S . M ., gradually leading the contemplative mind to the study of the glorious works of creation , is preparing us for that " fuller manifestation and adoration of the Creator in the world to come . Craft Masonry consists only of the three degrees , which are , for the most part , generally obtained without proper examination , —much to the

detriment of the Order , —which , together with the admission of improper characters , detracts from the importance of the Society iu the eyes of the world . Friendship and social delights , however , cannot in themselves be objects of reproach , nor the study of that " wisdom " which hoary time has sanctified , be a fit subject for ridicule . Charity , the chief of excellenciesis the peculiar characteristic of Freemasonry . Again

, , "union and harmony are essential ingredients , a banner to enlist under which is to ensure success . General exhortation to regularity and dignity of deportment : be equally zealous to merit as to obtain universal approbation , and prepared for the greater exercise of the virtues we recommend in the Grand Lodge above . These paths are not to be accounted easy of approach ; the ascent is steep . It is the work which must be continued from

the cradle to the grave . He ( tiie lecturer ) could not but he conscious of many imperfections ; and , whilst endeavouring to point out to them the goal , he would bespeak , for himself , indulgence towards his " oft infirmities , " and ( he added ) by no one ¦ would any assistance , towards the effort in search of light and truth , be more valued and more freely reciprocated than by him .

DURHAM . CES - TEXAEV FESTIVAL Marquis of Granby Lodge ( No . 124 ) . —An emergency meeting of this old established and prosperous lodge was held on Tuesday last , for the purpose of celebrating the completion of one hundred years from tho date of the charter granted by the

Grand Lodge of England . The lodge having been duly opened , Bro . Jos . Nicholson , W . M ., called upon the Secretary to read the warrant received from the M . W . G . M ., and which stated that it appeared by the records of the Grand Lodge that , on the Sth day of September , 1763 , a warrant of constitution was granted to certain brethren therein named , authorising and empowering them and their regular successors to hold a lodge of

Free and Accepted Masons in the city of Durham . It then set forth the changes in the number of the lodge till the closing up of the numbers in the present year , when it became , as it now stands on the register of the Grand Lodge , No . 124 , under the title of the "Marquis of Granby Lodge . " The warrant went on to say , " And whereas the brethren at present composing tlie said lodge are desirous , now that 100 years have expired since the constitution of the lodge , that they may be permitted to wear a jewel commemorative of such event , and have

prayed the sanction of the M . W . G . M . for that purpose , and the M . W . G . M . having been pleased to accede to this request , doth hereby give and grant to all and each of the actual subscribing members of the said lodge , being Master Masons , permission to wear , in all Masonic ' meetings , suspended to the left breast , by a sky-blue ribbon , not exceeding one inch and a half in breadth , a jewel or medal of the pattern and device of the drawing in the margin hereofas a centenary jewel . But such

, jewel is to he worn only hy those brethren who are bona fide subscribing members of the said lodge , and so long only as they may pay their subscriptions thereto , and be returned as such to the Grand Lodge of England . " The jewel is a five-pointed star with the arms of the City of Durham in the centre , and a garter of blue enamel ( enclosing the same ) contains the words , "Marquis of Granby Lodge

( No . 124 ) . " On the top bar of the ribbon is the word "Centenary , " and on the lower bar " 1 SG 3 . " It has been executed in silver by Messrs . J . Law and Sons , of Edinburgh . The W . M . having distributed tiie jewels to the brethren present , they afterwards proceeded to banquet at the house of Bro . John Thwaites , Waterloo Hotel , at which the AV . M . presided , and was supported by the Prov . G . M ., Bro . John Fawcett ; Bros . Stoker , P . M . ; Jones , P . M . ; Edward Evans , P . M ., Palatine

Lodge , Sunderland ; Rev . J . Thompson , Chap . ; AV . A . Malcolm , S . W . ; J . Walker , . I . W . ; AV . Marshall , Sec ; AV . C . Blackett , S . D . ; Thomas Thwaites and G . Greenwell , Stewards ; J . Young , I . G . ; Carter , Tyler ; AV . Henderson , T . Turner , T . Calvert , G . Taylor , J . Whitworth , R . Sutherland , T . AV . Hearon , J . Rickerby , H . Robson , T . Bell , G . Walker , J . Ranson , T . Tiplady , T . Stokes , R . S . JohnsonJ . RaineJ . T . MeggesonJ . WortleyJohn

, , , , Thwaites . At the conclusion of the banquet "Non nobis Domino " was sung by Bro . Jos . Walker and Messrs . Price , Whitehead , and Ivaye , of the Cathedral choir , after which the cloth was drawn , and a variety of toasts were given . The pleasure of the evening was greatly enhanced by the efficient rendering of tho music after each toast . The last toast having been given , the brethren separated , highly gratified with tho

proceedings , which were of the most unanimous and cordial character . In tho course of the evening Bro . R . Sutherland recited the following ode , composed by himself , in commemoration , of the centenary : —

AN ODE . Assist me , Muse , to touch thy tuneful lyre ! Grant me a spark from thy poetic fire . To give a welcome to old Father Time , AVhose rolling years , the same in every clime , A tale doth tell .

"lis not of battles fought , or battles won , Or the strange changes , as through life we run , Nor kingdoms , people , wealth , or boasting pride , But of an ancient Craft ! honoured and dignified ! I wish to sing . A . Lodge ! a Temple I nay , a School ,

Where Ethics pure are taught by the Pythagoras rule As in the ancient days . One hundred years have passed away And for to celebrate the day We meet—a joyful band .

Granby ! of proud Masonic fame , In ancient "Dunelui" may thy name Boldly stand forth ! In wisdom may thy sons excel , And future generations tell How great thy worth ,

Fountain of knowledge free ' . Circle of moral greatness . Lodge serene—Hallowed spot ! 0 , pleasing theme I I love to hear thy name , Though five score years have glided o ' er , And thy first founders are no more !

Yet thou remain ' st the same—Unalterably good . A mystic brotherhood , hy love entwined , % Vitli pure benevolence and truth combined , Firm as the world shall last ! Symbolic of the greatest good ,

And only known to brotherhood , Both now and ages past , O ' er the whole earth diffused . Brethren , rejoice ! rejoice with me ! On Granby's first Centenary . May pure Masonic love

Direct her brethren on the way To regions of eternal day—To the Grand Lodge above ' . The Mason ' s brightest hope .