Masonic Lifeboat Fund.

These all , hoAveA'er , want the distinctive features Avhich mark the present work . Former Avriters Avere afraid , in preparing Manuals , of printing too much , and kept closely to the ordinary text , Avithout classifying the materials in such an order , or giving such information as to the obscurer parts of the rituals that the Masonic student could supply instinctively any hiatus , and understand the

dark passages of the ceremonies . Bro . Sickels , Ave think , has been singularly happy in his choice of tbe different portions of the rituals , and his explanations appended as to the origin and purport of the mysteries , appear to us alike very complete and interesting . Upon the principle of Cross ' s Chart , the Avork is illustrated Avith . diagrams of the boards of the different

sections in the three degrees . They are above the ordinary style of such engravings , and must prove eminently useful to a Mastor in conferring the degrees . Furthermore , the music is given Avith the different anthems , Avhich , at the present time , when lodge music occupies so much attention in this country , must prove of interest and \* aluo to all Avho desire to see our

ritualistic services performed with due reverence and magnificence . The language in which our rituals are couched , the sublime words of the Holy AVrit , and the solemnity of the prayers , strike every initiate ivith admiration and Avith awe . Thus , to deepen these feelings , and , by means of our mysteries , to raise the thoughts of the aspirant " from nature up to nature ' s God" everything should be

, done to improve and give weight to our ceremonial . The contents of the work consist , among others , of introductory accounts of the origin of Masonry and its advantages . AA e think Bro . Sickles in his observations , and the authorities he quotes , copes tho real arch of

Masonry , AAiiich is raised upon the pillars of science and morality , and the Avhole system founded upon the triangle of liberality , brotherly lovo , and charity . As to the advantages derived from Freemasonry , Bro . Sickles sums them up in tbe words of Preston : — "Abstracted from the pure pleasures Avhich arise from friendship so wisely constituted as that Avhich subsists among Masons , and

AA'hich it is scarcely possible that any circumstance or occurrence can erase , Masonry is a science confined to no particular country , but extends over the whole terrestrial globe . Wherever the arts flourish , there it flourishes too . Add to this , thafc by secret and inviolable signs , carefully preserved among the fraternity , it becomes an universal language . Hencemany advantages are

, gained -. the distant Chinese , the Avild Arab , and the American savage , will embrace a biother Briton , and know that , besides the common ties of humanity , there is still a stronger obligation to induce him to kind and -friendly offices . The spirit of tho fulminating priest -will be tamed , and a moral brother , though of a different - persuasion , engage his esteem : for mutual toleration in

religious opinions is one of the most distinguishing and valuable characteristics of the Craft . As all religions teach morality , if a brother bo found to act tho part of a truly honest man , his private speculative opinions aro left to God and himself . Thus , through the influence of Masonry , Avhich is reconcilable to the best policy , all those disputes which embitter life and sour the tempers

of men , are avoided ; Avhile the common good , the general object , is zealously pursued . " Passing on , the mode of government of the fraternity and of the lodge is briefly noticed , as also the qualities and admission of candidates into the Craft . The opening and closing tbe lodge are next drawn , attention to , ancl appropriate prayers given . We then enter upon the

ceremonial of the First Degree , which , iu the Avords of Stone , possesses many prominent emblems , teaching first the proprietj * of maintaining regularity of life , and attending to tbe due improvement of time , by conforming to the prescribed rules , for ivhich eiglit hours are allotted to repose , eight to labour , and eight to tho service of God . Secondly , the cleansing of our hearts and minds from every vice is inculcated , thereby fitting

our bodies as living stones for that spiritual edifice built by the Grand Architect of the Universe . There are many other emblems in this first step , representing human life as being chequered with good and evil ; pointing to the comforts and blessings that surround us , and impressing upon our minds the necessity of a reliance on Divine Providence . Our imperfect condition

by nature is likewise adverted to , and the state of perfection to Avhich ive hope to arrive by virtuous education , aided by the blessing of God upon our own endeavours , and a due observance of the Holy Scriptures , as pointing out the ivhole duty of man . Indeed , eA-eryfching in this degree is adapted to impress upon the mind of the candidate the necessity of maintaining purity of life and

conduct in order to insure a happy immortality . The explanations of the different parts of the ceremony , as Ave have said , are peculiarly apt and to the point , and will be found of use in the preparation of lodge lectures . We think Bro . Sickles is in error AA'hen he states , at page 66 , that there Avere no Knights of the Roman Eagle . AVe suspect that there Avere , for we

knoiv that the Equestrian Order of Rome , besides being a body of the highest honour and importance , was also the origin of Chivalry . It is , consequently—although tbe fact may be open to doubt—not so far removed from probability that tbe Knights , or Guardians of tho Standard were denominated Knights of tho Roman Eagle , and , as a matter of courseit is perfectllegitimate to say

, y that the Apprentice Apron is more ancient than the badge of that Order . AVith the Essenos the neophyte on his initiation ivas clothed in a long Avhite robe , Avhich reached to the ground , bordered Avith a fringe of blue

ribbon , f ^ 'ptfymg personal holiness . Ibis robo was fastened tightly round the Avaist Avith a girdle , tn separate tho upper from the lower parts of the body . AVith feet bare , and head uncovered , the candidate Avas considered a personification of modesty and humility , walking in the fear of God . In tho Greek mysteries the robe AA'as ivhite , that colour being most acceptable

to the gods . In tho Persian mysteries of Mithras among other rcbes of investiture Avas a white apron . In tho Hiiidoostanee mysteries the novice was presented Avith a consecrated sash of nine threads , which was Avorn from left to right . The apron of the Jewish priesthood consisted of blue , purple , and red colours , and all the ancient statues of the heathen gods Avhich have

been discovered in Greece , Asia , or America , are decorated with superb aprons . Tbe description of the First Degree , Avhich is very elaborate , ends Avith an appropriate charge ut the initiation of a soldier . Archbishop Manfc Avrites , Avith reference to the Second Degree , that it is rendered interesting by those scientific instructions and philosophic lectures Avhich characterize

latter parts of the mysteries ; though these degrees tend to the glory of God and to the welfare of man . The Second Degree has nhvays been very difficult of working , OA'Ci . ivith the most efficient brothers . In Scotland it is slurred rapidly over , and seldom occupies fifteen minutes . Bro . Sickles has managed this difficult ritual with great skill , and his rendering , barring a I "

historical circumstances , the truthfulness of which we doubt , might be taken as a correct text in conferring the degree . The explanations are copious , interesting , and often very valuable ; Avhile the legend of the AVinding Staircase , by Dr . Albert Mackey , ivhich ends the degree , Avill be found Avorthy of more than one perusal . Battles-royal have been fought over the antiquity of

the Third Degree and the truth of its legend- AVe never considered either question to be of tho slightest importance , for antiquity cannot add Aveight to the sublime teachings of this degree , and tho legend is not a vital principle , but only a means of pointing more effectively tho moral . Dr . Crucifex stated thafc in this degree the last grand mystery was attempted to bo illustrated iu a forcible and peculiar manner , showing , by