Chapter Vii.

them , to substitute in their places utter strangers having no acquaintance with the people of the country ; that neither he , the King , nor his bishops would submit to it ; and that they were resolved to oppose any Bull by which the Pope

mi ght bring reli g ion and the cause of Jesus Christ into disrepute . That should the Pope persevere in shielding the Templars from justice , he would have to answer for the crime before God , and that

it was m the King s power to make him answer to men also , since he was subject to the laws of his predecessors , and it would be a meritorious act ; to proceed against him in a matter of faith . The King finished his remonstrance , by

representing to the Pope , that the share he wished to take in the proceedings , either by judging the Templars himself , or by appointing others to do so , would favour the thwarting of justice , and bring CIOAVU upon himself the accusation of

conniving at the escape of the guilty . The mode of procedure AYhich he wished to adopt would extend to an indefinite period , and likely never come to an end . Circumstances would arise to favour the cause of the criminals , and to quash the

proceedings . The whole matter Avould be contrary to justice ; and to strike terror to the hearts of the guilty , it was necessary to proceed to prompt action . That in the affair the King stood neither in the official capacity of accuser or denouncer .

He had simply discharged his duty as a Christian , full of zeal for reli g ion ; as a prince , a minister of God , and His champion on earth , charged by his coronation oath to render to Heaven a strict account of all that passed in his

kingdom contrary to faith , manners , and good order . ( To he continued . )

The Prince Of Wales And Freemasonry.

THE PRINCE OF WALES AND FREEMASONRY .

Apropos of the letter that appeared in our issue of the 10 th inst ., we subjoin the following correspondence thafc has been published in the Glasgow Herald .- — " Glasgow , 2 Gfch Sept ., 1 SGS . " To His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales

. " May it please your Royal Highness , "The Masonic Order is one of the most ancient fraternities in the world ; and has been honourabl y associated directly and indirectl y by the ' Craffc ' of the brethren with the architecture both of ancient and modern times .

" At the erection of the Glasgow Cathedral ( A . D . 1190 ) King "William the Lion graciously extended his countenance to the Glasgow fraternity .

The Prince Of Wales And Freemasonry.

" The Glasgow University , the alma mater of many successive generations of students in the liberal arts , is herself the time honoured daughter ofthe Glasgow Cathedral ; and the Masonic body of Glasgow—of which ' The Glasgow St . John , 3 Bis , ' is a lodge not the least and important—represent by corporate descent the brethren whose ' Craft' was identified

with the erection both of the ancient Cathedral and University . " The Masonic body of Glasgow have heard with lively gratitude and satisfaction of the proposal of your Royal Highness to follow the example of King , William the Lion by renewing , on a more eligible

site than the present , the architecture of the Glasgow University ; and that your Royal Hig hness has condescended to lay the foundation stone of the new University Buildings on Gilmorehill , upon Thursday , the Sth October next . " May I humbly submit that the occasion is

oneon which Masonic traditions , solemnities , and honours are specially due ; but a fitting regard to these is the peculiar function and privilege of the Masonic brethren . " The Masonic fraternity in general , and the

Glasgow Masonic body in particular , and , among others , the lodge of which I am Secretary , can point with pride to names on their roll high in the estimation of this country and the world for rank , talent , and virtue ; and I humbly approach your Royal Highness at the present time for the purpose of most respectfully suggesting that the occasion of your Royal

Highness ' s presence in Glasgow is one at Avhich fraternization with the Masonic body Avould be peculiarly appropriate in itself ; and that such ^ fraternization , while not unworthy of yonr Royal Highness , would be emiuently grateful to a large and intelligent and loyal association of Her Majesty ' s—your Royal

Highness ' s mother—subjects all over the world . The Masonic body will . be prompt and ready , should your Royal Highness concur , to concert such measures as are necessary according- to the Masonic Order for the fraternization of your Royal Highness immediately antecedent to the ceremonial at AYhich your Royal

presence is expected ; and I Avould most respectfully submit to your Eoyal Highness that its significance and due observance would thereby be greatly enhanced . —I have the honour to remain your Royal Highness ' s most obedient , humble servant , " JOHN - SLACK . "

" Dnnrobin Castle , Sutherland . " Sir William Knollys is desired by the Prince of Wales to acknowledge fche receipt of Mr . Slack ' s letter of the 26 th instant , suggesting his Royal Highness should become a member of'The Lodge Glasgow St . John , 3 Bis . '

" Sir Williani is directed to inform Mr . S ., in reply , that the Prince does not propose , at all events for the present , joining any Masonic lodge ; and he regrets , therefore , that he is unable to accede to the application in question . " September 28 , 1868 . "

IT is safer to affront some people than to oblige them for , the better a man deserves , the worse they will speak of him—Seneca .