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the bust of William Preston was offered by a brother—in the hope that it would form an object of attraction in a museum of the Craft—and declined I However , Bro . Preston ' s name will live when theirs will be forgotten . From , what we have before said of the popularity of Bro . Preston ' s Illustrations , our readers will not expect that we should attempt to notice the general features of the work

with which they are as well acquainted as ourselves , and so we shall chiefly allude to Dr . Oliver ' s share in the production of this new edition . Our Bro . Dr . Oliver , after giving Preston ' s original preface , adds the following note , which shows the edition he has chosen to reproduce , and does credit to him for selecting that one which was enriched by the additions of Bro .

Preston ' s Masonic pupil and co-labourer in literature . He says : — " In justice to a worthy and intelligent brother , it may be neccessary to note here that the above was Bro . Preston ' s Preface to the 12 th edition , ancl that after his death in 1819 a new edition was called for ancl entrusted to Bro . S . Jones , P . M . of the Lodge of Antiquity , who furnished two sections of additional historical matter , extending from the year 1812 to 1820 , and occupying the space between pages 297 to 327 of the present edition . I hold myself responsible for the remainder . G . 0 .- —August 19 , 1861 . "

Then follows the Reverend Brother ' s preface to the seventeenth edition , from which we quote as follows : — " The history of Masonry in England , as originally written by Bro . Preston , included much extraneous matter , which , though absolutely necessary to Mm , as his materials were very limited in extent , is comparatively useless , ancl would excite little interest in the present generations of Masons . The reader willthereforebe

, , glad to find that the historical portion of the work has been relieved from a heavy burden which was a subject ot regret to the Fraternity , and the narrative permitted to flow in a clear and uninterrupted current . Such a process of weeding will constitute a decided improvement on all former editions , and cannot fail to secure an accession of readers . "

We are not disposed altogether to agree with the omission alluded to above . If the work of an author is worth reprinting it should be done in its full integrity , even if certain jaassages are not in accordance with our taste , because these very passages serve to indicate the real point of view upon which the writer based his speculations , aud afford au editor a good opportunity of showing his judgement in

annotating such passages besides presenting to the reader a chance of forming an opinion of his own . Hence , we think , a man ' s ideas are part of his identity aud cannot be separated without robbing the individual of a portion of his personal feelings , ancl the eyes , so to speak , through which he views events . But let this be properly understood . We do nofc condemn the omission as a grave fault , but we feel hurt that

a reputation should be made to rise or fall by the prepossession or dislike of any one . Our Reverend Brother , apologizes for the omission of the songs at the end . This we are not inclined to think other than wise , they are so-so affairs generally , and though an editor should " stick to his text , " this omission is not of the importance of that previously alluded to . Dr . Oliver ' s

conclusion is at once so candid and tinged with bonhommie that we cannot refrain from giving the whole entire . He has , frequently , nay often , in several of his works , made sad . work of Masonic tradition ; differing from many of his opinions , as we do , yet we cannot but express that he " has clone the Craft some service " in his time , and it is pleasing to meet with one who can write in such a strain as this : •—¦

" I must here trespass a moment on the patience ancl courtesy of my brother Masons , by casting aside all formality , ancl speaking a few words respecting myself , in the first person ; for as an octogenarian , I cannot , in the course of nature , have long to talk , ancl therefore I hope my brethren will indulge me with a little personal gossip . It will probably be conceded by a . majority of those whom I address , that my judgement in all matters of Masonry is entitled to some degree of respectas I have devoted the leisure of

, sixty years of my life to a developement of the true philosophy of the Order , for the purpose of placing it in a lofty position which should he inaccessible to fche sneers ancl condemnation of those who persist in representing it as a heartless system of infidelity and irreligion . And , unfortunately these charges have been revived in our own times by a few scientific men , who ought , before making their reveries public , to have examined into " the truth of their

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allegations hy the honourable and unfailing process which is open to all good men- —initiation ; accompanied by a close and candid investigation of its true principles . How far I have succeeded , it is not for me to predicate . My published works are before the world , ancl they will be existing evidences of my sincerity , whether it be attended with success or failure . "It may be said—indeed it has been said—that I might have employed my leisure to a much better purpose . Perhaps so . But I

was of a different opinion . Yet , while indulging a predilection for Masonic pursuits , I never permitted them to absorb all my faculties , or to induce a neglect of professional duties of equal or superior importance . And I enjoy the satisfaction of reflecting , at this advanced period of my life , that while engaged in displaying the resplendent beauties of the Order , I have never , in my numerous publications on the subject of Masonry , treated a contemporary with harshnessor even discourtesy . And I can conscientiously

, say , with Sir Walter Scott , that 'though I never will aim at popularity by what I think unworthy means ; I will not , on the other hand , be pertinacious in the defence of my own errors against the voice of the public . ' Enough of this . "In writing the continuation of the historical portion of the work , I beg to acknowledge my obligations , amongst other sourcesof reference , to the EEEEMASOS ' MAGAZINE , in the absence ot

whieh I should have possessed no reliable record ot the general procedings of the Craft ; ancl , indeed , the spirit of improvement which the Order has exhibited in modern times , may be chiefly ascribed to the existence and influence of this useful periodical . "

Correspondence.

CORRESPONDENCE .

The Editor is not responsible for the opinions expressed hy Correspondents . MARK MASONRY . TO THE EDITOB OP THE FEEEirASOIrs' 3 IAGAZINE AND MASOETC MIKBOR . DEAE SIB AXD BROTHEE , —Will you or any other brotherkindly state in the MASOXIC MA & AZIXE , under what Grand Lodge the Mark Masters' Lodge at Hythe , Kent , hold

itswarrant , and the date of its commencement—to my knowledge it was , perhaps , the most efficient M . M . Lodge in England in the year 18-1-6 , and , as an admirer of the beautiful M . M . degree , although not yet recognised by the-Grand Lodge of England , I am anxious to see it introduced in all lodges—for go to any [ part of the world you will be known as a M . M ., except in this country . I have no doubt

but fche Hythe Lodge is still in a flourishing state , all honourto the M . M . for it ^ and may the noble Craft flourish likethe green bay tree at the river side until time shall be nomore . I am , sir and brother , yours fraternally , •IIIIIII 19 th October , 1861 .

Bro. William Miller.

BRO . WILLIAM MILLER .

TO THE EDITOB OF THE PEEE 3 IASONS * 3 IAGAZIUE AMD MASONIC MIKROB . DEAB SIB . AXD BEOTHEE , —In your reply to your correspondent , M . Wadhaugh , in the FUEEMASONS' MAGAZINE of the-19 fch insfc ., relative to the case of William Miller , who has been so many years an inmate of the gaol at Winchester , and now of the Queen ' s Bench Prison , you say you believe that no application has been made on his behalf to the Lodge of

Benevolence , aud that you find b y the Grand Lodge Books that he was initiated , but nothing further as to his having been a subscribing member . On this point I think that I can enlighten yourself and others who have interested themselves hi his future welfare . I must inform you , sir , that I have known Miller many years ago , having been introduced to him in Winchester Gaol bMr . J . Pilgram of

y Christ-Church , just after his incarceration , and have many times since , when an opportunity offered , called on him there ; I also knew his family , who were much respected at Christ-Church . Ancl as I am , and have been for many years a member of the Lodge of Hengsifc ( Eo . 230 ) , in which Miller was initiated , aud have before me the minute book of that date , on reference to whichI

per-, ceive that he was initiated ou the Sth day of Nov ., 1810 ; passed on the 6 th day of December following , and raised on the 14 th day of March , 1811 , and continued a subscribing member until July , 181 S , _ when he was taken to Winchester Gaol . Knowing the affair as I do , and seeing Avhat interest is taken in his behalf , I have not been dormant in the