Lecture On The Origin, Nature, Object, And Tendency Of Freemasonry.

river ' s brim , a yellow primrose is to them , and it is nothing more . " I fear , however , that some Masons illustrate the old adage , that " there is none so blind as those who won't see ; " otherwise , I cannot understand how brethren , who have entered our Society

from proper motives and gone through even the first of our ceremonies with proper attention , can ask , as they sometimes do , "What is there in it after all ?" " "What is the use of it ? " Can they not , or will they not see that it tends to promote obedience to God

, love to man , and submission to duly organised authority , and that it teaches the excellencies of faith , hope , charity , temperance , prudence , fortitude , justice , brotherly love , relief and truth , secrecy , fidelity and obedience . If they do not discern these advantages

in Freemasonry , the fault is in their own blindness , and not in the system ; they may be assured that it is above their comprehension ' and not beneath their notice ; and they are great losers , inasmuch as they cannot perceive that the object and tendency of

Masonry are to promote "Glory to God in the highest , on earth peace , goodwill towards men . " So mote it be .

Sympathy With Italy.

SYMPATHY WITH ITALY .

The following has been receiA r ed from an esteemed Correspondent , Although , as a Masonic Journal , we are bound to keep ourselves aloof from what may excite religious or political controversies , yet we venture , on this occasion , to insert the annexed extract from the Jersey Express , of the 12 th inst .,

believing that it will be interesting to the brethren at large , even though they may hold diverse opinions on the subject itself : — "On the 11 th inst ., at the Masonic Temple , Stopford Road , a very interesting ' Personal Narrative , with a

few words on passing events , ' was read by Bro . H . L . Manuel , who has just returned from Italy , and who has mingled there AAdth all classes to ascertain the state of public feeling . The narrative was highly interesting , relating as it did the great enthusiasm now

existing in Italy among all classes , from the prince to the beggar , from the old man to the child , who escapes from his homo to join Garibaldi— 'deserters even offering to return and fight for their country , and business being suspended without the least

complaint . Bro . Manuel entered into lengthy details on both the character and physical appearance of the Italians whom he described as being a gallant highminded nation . His description of Garibaldi with whom he has had a personal interview , and his warm appeal for sympathy Avith Italy , proved that his heart and soul were in the Italian cause , to which he may

Sympathy With Italy.

confidently rely upon having drawn all who had the pleasure of hearing him . Bro . Manuel was frequentl y applauded whilst reading his narrative . " Mr . G . Picot moA'ed the following resolution : — ' That this meeting earnestly sympathises with the

cause of Italy , and trusts that it may soon meet with its crowning success , by the redemption or the cession of Venetia . ' That a committee of friends of Italy be appointed this evening , whose special duty shall be , in the event of a prolongation of hostilitiesto collect subscriptions

, for suffering Garibaldini ; and , in the hoped for early termination of war , to congratulate the illustrious General Garibaldi , —the impersonation of chivalry and patriotism—on the happy attainment , to which he has so pre-eminently contributed , of Italian unity

and independence . ' " It was seconded by Bro . Clement Le Sueur and unanimously carried . "A committee was appointed with power to add to their number .

"A vote of thanks proposed hy Bro . C . Le Sueur , aand seconded by Bro . A . Schmitt , was duly acknowledged by Bro . Manuel . " We believe Bro . Manuel will be prevailed upon to give another lecture on Italy ; if such be the case we

feel sure that all who are interested in that country , will go and hear his interesting narre of what he has witnessed . "

Masonic Notes And Queries.

MASONIC NOTES AND QUERIES .

BNGIiISn FREEMASONRY ESSENTIALLY MONOTHEISTIC . The letter from a Brother , at Hamburg , avowing himself a Pantheist has been left Avith me . In answer I can assure him that English Freemasonry continues to use the words of the paper , a long passage of which he cites— " essentiallMonotheistic . " It may

y be true , as a recent publication asserts , " that there is an immense amount of Pantheistic sentiment floating about in the poetry , criticism , and even in the speculative thinking , in all European countries , and in America , in the present day . " No such sentiment , howeveras I believehas found its ivay into our

, , lodges . —CHABLES PTJRTON COOPER . DEVELOPMENT 03 ? FREEMASONRY . Upon this subject a Brother , at Cambridge , sends me many questions . Only a Prophet could answer them . All that I can venture to write is that the

Development of true Freemasonry which , it is hoped and believed , will one day be established in all countries , even those in which the Great Architect of the Universe is not yet acknowledged , is certainly and satisfactorily , although silently and almost impertiblgoing on in our English Lodges . These

cepy , Lodges exist in every part of the Globe ; they are coextensive Avith Queen "Victoria ' s' dominions , upon which it is said , and we know it to be no vain boast , that the Sun never sets . — CHARLES PURTON COOPER .