Masonic Notes And Queries.

tbe Constitution and laws are frequently set at defiance , and trampled under foot ; parties are being formed of every political cast , and our country filled with secret political and benevolent societies . Demagogues , through religious fanaticism , are endeavouring to elevate themselves to honour and distinction , by the agitation of questions that should rarely ever be discussed ; expecting to ride

upon the whirlwind , and guide the storm that will place them in a position they are frequently poorly qualified to fill . The great trouble will be , that the storm may not only carry them , but also the innocent , into civil war , bloodshed , anarchy , and confusion . It will be well , for a few moments , to look at the great mission of Masonry , and learn om- duty . Masonry requires of

its devotees , " that they be peaceable and quiet subjects of the country in which they reside , never to be concerned in ' plots or conspiracies against the government , but to conform cheerfully to its laws . " They are , also , "bound by their tenure to obey the moral law . " Where , then , is the Mason that will disregard those wholesome tenets of our institution ?

Where is the Mason that will suffer himself to be drawn into those angry discussions , that may cause his blood to mingle with that of his brother ? AVhere is the Mason who will so far disregard the great moral taught him , from the use of one of the greater lights of Masonry , first presented to his vision iu a Masonic lodge , as to let his passions or prejudices betray him beyond due bounds ?

If Ave have any such within our jurisdiction , lot me say to my brother , reflect , come back , and place your feet firmly upon a basis that " makes all men honourable who conform to its precepts . " The great mania for secret societies , if indulged in by Masons , must work an injury to its fraternity . "History attests how often Masonry was caused to bleed from its supposed connection with secret political , as also from secret benevolent , or ecclesiastical organisations . Itself being a secret society , having obligations immutable , would it not be wise for

its members to reflect , seriously , before affiliating with ony other secret institution , whether his duties might not conflict ? As Masonry is unlike every other organisation upon earth , its philanthropy and benevolence extend to all free intelligent beings around the globe , its members bound together by an ' indissoluble claim of sincere affection , ' while all other secret societies , aiming

at other objects , are necessarily local , of small bounds , and short duration . Have we a member , whose heart is so expanded , even by benevolence , that Masonry is too narrow a channel to be the dispenser of his blessings ? Look at our widows and orphans , yet unprovided for , and the answer is at hand . If our glorious confederacy , under which Ave have flourished , be threatened with

dissolution , Avar , anarch )' , and confusion , let Masons but do their duty , and all the powers of earth , together with all the machinations of evil and wicked men , cannot cause this noble edifice to shake . Look what a bond of union , extending from Maine to Florida , from Massachusetts to Oregon , all bound by their tenure to obey the moral law , and to be obedient subjects to the constitution and laws

of the land . AVhere is the Mason who does not regard the perpetuity of onr union as a paramount question ; who does not regard the constitution and laws the highest authority ; and who would nob shed his blood , if necessary , to sustain and uphold them ? These things being true , Avho doubts the perpetuity of our government ? Is there a Mason hailing from the land of the Puritans ,

Avho so far forgets his duty as to sot law at defiance , and attempt to propagate his political opinion contrary to law , although advised to that course by the degenerate son , desecrating the sacred duty of those Puritan fathers ? Is there a Mason , hailing from the sunny South , proverbial for honour , generosity , and benevolence , Avho is willing to sacrifice this temple of freedom upon the altar of ambition ? No ! Bather let all Masons , who enter upon the political arena , carry emblazoned upon their banner the Avreath of lily work , speaking peace ; and the

Masonic Notes And Queries.

emblem of right hands joined , denoting fidelity to our common country . Let us not , my brethren , indulge in harsh epithets towards each other ; although we may be found connected with all political parties , let o . ur truly Masonic virtues never be lost sight of ; 'let no motive cause us to swerve from our duty , violate our vows , or betray our trust . '"

A HINT TO A LODGE KEAR GREAT QUEEN STREET . The Grand Master of Rhode Island , M . AV . Jervis J . Smith , in his address to the Grand Lodge in May last , speaking of his official position , says : " It has given me a deep insight into the true condition of our Order . Outwardly , it presents a flattering picture ; but , on close inspectionmany painful truths are to be found . The

, extreme anxiety to hold official stations in our lodges , the spirit of progress , as it is called , and the extreme anxiety to have a large membership , regardless of the material , create more dissensions , strife aud bitterness in our lodge-rooms than all else . "—ONE NOT VET

EXCLUDED . ALLUSIONS TO THE FIVE POINTS . There are five points in Freemasonry , well known to every Master Mason . Besides what we learn from tho lectures on these subjects , can any one give me a few standard allusions which might be used at a Masonic Debating Society ?—YICE-CHAIRMAN . —[ Being happy to find that there is a Masonic Debating Society , we gladly

furnish , as our quota , some hints towards the allusions inquired for . Take , for example , the lesson of the king on his throne , and the humble artisan at his toil , and realise tho fellowship that existed between the Monarch of Israel and the builder of the Temple . So also the passage from Isaiah , — " How beautiful upon the mountains " are the feet of him that bringeth glad tidings , that

publisheth peace . " Job's exclamation , " Oh that one might plead for a man with God , as a man pleadeth for his neighbour . " Lord Bacon wisely and quaintly , says : — " You may take sarza to open the liver ; prepared steel to open the spleen ; flowers of sulphur for the lungs ;

castor for the brain ; but there is no opening medicines found for the obstructions of the heart , besides a faithful friend to whom you may impart griefs , joys , fears , hopes , suspicions , cares , counsels , and , in short , whatever lies upon the heart , as it were , of a civil confession . " Horace also tells us : —¦ i < * & # Absentem qui redit amieuni

Qui non defendit alio culpantehie niger est ; hune tu Romane caveto . " And , for the last , let us offer the words of Theoguis the . Grecian , in an English dress : — " I care not for a friend that at my hoard Talks pleasantly ; the friend that will afford-Faithful assistance with his purse and sword

In need or danger ; let that friend he mine Fit for a bold and resolute design . " All these arc concisely summed up in a comprehensive whole by one of the grand patrons of Freemasonry , St . John the Evangelist , who thus addressed his disciples , — ' Little children , love one another . " ]

Ar00302

A NOVELTY . —One of the most recent novelties is the introduction of machinery to brush peoples' hair . An apparatus of this description is recently fixed at the establishment of Honey and Skelton's , Fleet-street , known as the Cardinal ' s Palace . The machinery is exceedingly simple , hut most effective : a spindle shaft stretches right across tho saloon , near to the ceiling ; wheels are fixed at convenient distances , from which

descend India rubber bands ; into these small hand spindles are inserted , which immediately revolve with the part containing a circular brush , whilst tho two handles are held , one in each hand , hy the operator , who , hy means of the loose band and loose handles , is able to guide the brush in any direction , not making it so imperative that those operated upon should remain so entirely still as was necessary under the old system ; in fact , one may read with convenience whilst the operation is going on . The sensation is extremel y pleasant , and the work most effectually accomplished .