TO CORRESPONDENTS.

We are requested to state that Dr. Crucefix has altogether retired from London. His address is, Grove, Gravesend, Kent; where all communications should be addressed that are intended for his personal observation-indeed letters for the Editor, under cover to him, will more immediately reach their destination.

It is most earnestly entreated that, wherever possible, all communications may be written only on one side of the paper; also, that all German and other foreign words may be most legibly written.

We are requested by Dr. Crucefix, who is preparing for the Press an account of popular events in English Freemasonry, to be favoured by any Masonic papers; more especially as relating to York and Athol Masonry -the trials of Preston, Whitney, Bonnor, and others. His own escapade is complete.

Many ladies have enquired after some of our Masonic poets, wondering that their lyric power should be in abeyance; Bros. Gilfillan, Carpenter, Hersee, and Lee Stevens well know how welcome are their contributions, and will, we hope, reply accordingly to their fair enquirers.

We are requested by Mrs. Crucefix to offer her best thanks to "Sir James Stuart, the Wardens, and Brethren," for the honour of their polite invitation to the Ball announced for the 24th, and to express her regret at not being able to attend on an occasion so promising to the advancement of Masonic purposes.

The address of the Rev. Geo. Oliver, D.D., is at Scopwick Vicarage, near Sleaford, Lincolnshire.

CAVEAC, 205.-A learned Brother is desirous of knowing the "unde-derivatur" of this word. Perhaps some member of the Caveac Lodge" will oblige him. An Anglo-Sumatran has ruled it to be the Elderado term for "Hammersmith," but we fear he is incorrect.

A PAST GRAND STEWARD, will please to accept our best thanks for the perusal of the very interesting ana.

AN ODD FELLOW.-With great respect for a charitable institution, from which in many points, certain Freemasons might copy with advantage to society, we must decline the article. The members for Windsor cannot have acted unwisely in joining the Order, but we are not aware that either are Freemasons.

AN ARCHITECT.-The late William Wilkins was a Brother, and probably initiated in the Scientific Lodge, Cambridge, when an under-graduate of Caius College. He expressed himself gratified with having entered the Order and found it essential to him during his travelling fellowship.

CLERICUS.-We have not seen any Masonic productions in the form of sermons, or other writings by any of the Chaplains of the Grand Lodge since the Union; they are, we are told, unaware of the existence of Masonic works! However estimable as men, they are of no authority as Masons. How selected for their office we know not.

ARGUS.-The Grand Secretary is a good Masonic Lexicon, and may be consulted with advantage on things past. As a Masonic authority he may rule a case from his position, but is not infallible.

A COMPLAINANT.-Our reasons for declining the advertisement are obvious, we do not wish to mislead our readers by sharing in dishonourable profits. One class are a disgrace to society, the other reckless adventurers on the credulity of unthinking men, and plunderers of the widow and orphan.

AN ANGLO-INDIAN.-We cannot state that the late lamented Sir Robert Sale was a Free

mason.

A GREAT SHAREHOLDER.-Vide Group Anpersan (provisionally not registered), for further particulars. Of the Sumatran railway, tunnel. pier, and every-thing-else project, the syilabus, index, appendix, &c., are all in the press.

A SUBSCRIPER.-Insteal of abusing us for not inserting a report of the amateur performance on the 19th December last, for the benefit of "The Royal Masonic Benevolent Annuity Fund," a "subscriber" should himself have seat a report. It is mighty courageous to use big words and coarse vulgarity under an anonymous signature.

A MASONIC CLERGYMAN.-Many thanks for the suggestion, of which we shall avail ourselves.

A PAST GRAND STEWARD AND OTHERS.-The memorial has been seut to the Grand Master and is under his consideration.

A SOMERSET MASON.-The promised accounts will be welcome.

L. M. may be correct in stating that there is but one non-purpled member of the Alpha Lodge, No. 16, but he is incorrect in stating that the Lodge is in arrear; we have spoken to a member who assures us that the following dues were paid to Christmas last, viz., Benevolence, 4. 48., joinings 108. We have heard passim, that the solitary non-purple will assume the livery next month, nous verrons.

A TYRO.-The Masonic Almanack will give the necessary information as to meetings of Lodges and Chapters in a concise form. It can be procured of Bro. Spencer, 314, High

Holborn.

AN AGED MASON, BUT NOT A POOR ONE, complains that the system of "Robbing Peter to pay Paul," is on the increase, and that the favourable state of the financial accounts of the Board of Benevolence is attributable to the doling out of paltry pittances to many deserving Brethren. It would seem by the letter that there are more ways of picking a poor Masons pocket than by thrusting your hand into it.

A MASTER-We are not in the secret conclave, and therefore cannot explain why the representative of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts was not presented as such at the last Grand Lodge.

ANTIQUITAS.-It was our intention to have commenced a series of Lodge annals with the present number. We defer, probably for twelve months.

A FRIEND AND OTHERS.-The F. Q. R. was not foisted on the Craft by previous solicitation, not even a prospectus heralded its gestation. At once it proclaimed and proved itself the friend of Masonry.

A PROV. BROTHER.-We cannot insert the letter in its present shape; it may suffice to observe that although a social compact is difficult to dissolve, still the elements do not cohere, otherwise than in manifestation of power. In Landseer's (we believe) portrait of dogs round a certain barrow, did you ever mark the look and bearing of the sentinel at the poor half famished dog?

SHREWSBURY CLOCK.-The dial points rightly-we will watch proceedings.

A COVENTRY MASON should address his P. G. M., who has the power and may not lack desire to act with Masonic justice.

A WARWICK MASON was not more surprised than ourselves at the attack which was out of time and place.

HINT." Comparisons are odious," so says an old and good rule.-Copy Book.

A. O.-Be not deceived, if the advertisement be paid for it is still a snare; if inserted gratis, the shame is shared without the profit.

BRO. JOHN CLARKE.-We look hopefully for future correspondence.

A BROTHER BUT NOT A MEMBER.-The Lodge is a mere drone in the hive.

A PAST MASTER.-The notice of motion for limiting the duration of the office of Grand' Master to one nobleman was given in August 1843, and withdrawn for a time in September following. It was a distinct declaration that it was not ABANDONED. The urgent request of the Marquis of Salisbury, D. G. M. at the time was complied with on such clear under standing.

ARISTIDES. (Not the true.) The letter is received (for we could not help that) but it is totally unfit for publication, not so much for its illogical reasoning, as for its total disregard of sense and decency. To have published the letter might have endangered the confirmation of that portion of the minutes of the Grand Lodge on which it treats. Thus far we are generous, although our correspondent is not JUST.

A. B. AND OTHERS. -For obvious reasons we suppress the communications on the Secretariat. Hereafter

A GRAND STEWARD.-The suggested alteration in the publishing month would be still more inconvenient. The Grand Lodge is content with a quarterly communication, and we are decidedly of opinion that a Quarterly Review is sufficient for a considerate and condensed view of the Craft.

DISCIPLINE AND PRACTICE.

W. M.-The Masonic ritual does not direct that any portion of the scriptures be read during the opening ceremonial, or closing of the Lodge.

W. M.-The Master of a Lodge is certainly bound to see that due order and decorum be observed in his Lodge; but this he should do as a disciplinarian, not as a martinet. In the case in question the Master has not acted discreetly. A tender of resignation is generally received with regret, and, like all other proceedings, abides confirmation. Confirmation does not merely imply correctness of the minutes, but that on due consideration they are to be confirmed or otherwise. Now, if when a letter of resignation is received, it is ordered to stand over, it naturally follows that on the confirmation of those minutes, the resignation stands over, because it was so ordered. The attempt of a W. M. to rule his Lodge otherwise than to the satisfaction of the Brethren, exposes him to much trouble and difficulty, and the period of his retirement from office is not looked to with regret, but with pleasure! In the case in question the ultimate withdrawal of the resignation was a correct proceeding, and the payment of all dues perfectly just. The G. S. L. Antiquity, Burlington, Prince of Wales, and many other highly respectable Lodges retain the names of Brethren on their books until resignations are perfected. We know that members are often in arrear four or five years. The late Bro. Bish used to boast that a dinner at the G. S. L. always cost him from twenty to thirty guineas. The practice may not be commendable, but it is preferable to casting aside worthy members.

A PROV. BROTHER.-The case having some features in common with the preceding, the opinion will govern accordingly. The Brother appears to have suffered in promotion, as not being of a sufficiently aristocratic caste. Disgust at such folly is our first qualm. If the Brother was worthy of affiliation he was justified in looking forward to the highest honours, and would prove an unworthy member if he did not so look forward. But in this case he is superior in mental attainments and natural endowments to those who have vainly conspired to disparage him; his aristocracy is that of MASONRY.

A DISCIPLINARIAN is of opinion that a "Drill Officer" is required more than ever to teach certain Grand Officers, both in Craft and Arch, to go through their facings. They are certainly lamentably deficient in simple evolutions.

A LOVER OF DISCIPLINE should himself pay obedience to the "Law Editorial," by giving his name and address; however, we will overlook what could not be intended as a discourtesy. A Brother who by written communication "declares off" the Lodge properly-that is, dues being paid and no attainder against him-is, de facto, no longer a member of the Lodge; if, however, the minutes be not confirmed, the resignation should be repeated, but his dues would cease from the first resignation.

If the minutes of a Lodge, at which the election of a Master took place, be not confirmed at a subsequent meeting, the Master-elect cannot be installed-Vide Const., Art 2. p. 58. The present Master must rule the Lodge until the election of his successor be confirmed. election should of course take place forthwith.

The

Masons may, by permission of the Prov. G. M. or his Deputy, assist any of the popular world in laying the foundation stone of an edifice. It is not necessary to call a second Lodge of Emergency to pass a Brother. The Grand Master himself cannot with impunity infringe Art 11, p. 62, Constitutions.

A PAST MASTER'S letter on the impropriety of a Prov. G. M's. taking any step as such previous to his installation is generally correct, but wanting name and address we decline to insert it. We do not however hesitate to say that although the law may not decide the question, propriety does. Why should a Prov. G. M. be exempt from the responsibility of the Master of a Lodge? Would any Grand Master assume the government of the Grand Lodge until he had been obligated to fulfil the duties? The late Royal Grand Master might sometimes have erred, and on a memorable occasion in 1840 he was very nearly committing himself for having declared that he should not preside on the 30th October, that he might not be thought to have lent his presence to the side of power. He delegated the occupancy of the Throne to the Marquis of Salisbury. The accused saw his advantage and in confidence mentioned to a Grand Officer that there "could be no trial." But "catch a weasel asleep." The Marquis was installed as Deputy Grand Master on the very morning of the 30th October, at a Drum-Head Grand Lodge held at Kensington Palace! His Royal Highness well knew

VOL. IV.

T

that obligation and installation were essential requisites; be it observed, however, that if a Prov. G. M. be otherwise qualified he can sit in Grand Lodge. Lord Francis Egerton, if not otherwise qualified, ought not to have been present at the Grand Lodge in June last.

TEMPLARS, &c.

E. C.-The proper designation for an E. C. is Sir Knight A. or B., not Sir A. B., which is an impertinent assumption. "Want of decency is want of sense."

A PROVINCIAL KNIGHT-The Apron is the Masonic Badge. Those who assume to know every thing rarely know any thing. The time has not arrived to enter into the lucid points of our correspondent's letter; but we are at our post, and will endeavour to guard against surprise. More mischief has arisen from the "Crinkum-crankums" of the would-bethought learned, than from the apathy of thirty years' duration; as if Adam were not the common progenitor of all. An honest tradesman is every whit as good a man as a magistrate; we knew one of the latter class who was a labourer, and himself a porter; yet the sovereign conferred honours on the latter. We could multiply instances.

THIRTY-THIRD DEGREE-AS conferred by the late Bro. Alexander Deuchar, S. G. I. G. Edinburgh. Confer with Dr. Crucefix.

A CAPTAIN.-The amende was beyond our expectation, and with that, let the past be remembered no more.

BENEVOLENT ANNUITY FUND.

A SUBSCRIBER from the commencement desires us to state whether the eighth regulation, "That no Brother having an income of twenty pounds per annum shall be admitted to the benefit of the fund," applies to the case of any poor Brother, who may have been releived during the current year by the Grand Lodge. And further, whether any Brother declaring to the Board of the Benevolent Annuity Fund that he has not an income of twenty pounds per annum, should not be examined as to his petition, instead of such petition being summarily rejected. Answer:-In our opinion releif by Grand Lodge is itself a denial to the probability of such ANNUAL Income. The non-examination of a petitioner under the circumstances stated, was no doubt an unintentional error on the part of the Board, who must have been misinformed or misdirected. The Committee is composed of many honourable men, let them eschew prejudice-accept every good case, and leave the result to the ballot.

*We have received several provincial letters on the supposed inequality of the elective power in London and the Provinces. The subject requires very grave consideration. We insert one letter as a sample of the others, which are chiefly from the north. Vide page 43.

THE ASYLUM.

THE GENERAL COMMITTEE EARNESTLY SOLICIT SUBSCRIPTIONS OF THE FRATERNITY, TO REPLACE THE SERIOUS LOSS BY A DEFAULTER AND THE EXPENCES OF THE CHANCERY SUIT.

THE ANNIVERSARY FESTIVAL IS FIXED TO TAKE PLACE ON WEDNESDAY, THE 17TH OF JUNE NEXT, AT FREEMASONS' HALL.

THE

FREEMASONS'

QUARTERLY REVIEW.

SECOND SERIES-JUNE 30, 1846.

"I have ever felt it my duty to support and encourage its principles and practice, because it powerfully developes all social and benevolent affections; because it mitigates without, and annihilates within, the virulence of political and theological controversy-because it affords the only neutral ground on which all ranks and classes can meet in perfect equality, and associate without degradation or mortification, whether for purposes of moral instruction or social intercourse."-The EARL OF DURHAM on Freemasonry, 21st Jan. 1834.

" This obedience, which must be vigorously observed, does not prevent us, however from investigating the inconvenience of laws, which at the time they were framed may have been political, prudent-nay, even necessary; but now, from a total change of circumstances and events, may have become unjust, oppressive, and equally useless.

"Justinian declares that he acts contrary to the law who, confining himself to the letter, acts contrary to the spirit and interest of it."-H. R. H. the DUKE OF SUSSEX, April 21, 1812. House of Lords.

THE MASONIC JEWS AND THE REPLY FROM THE ROYAL YORK GRAND LODGE OF PRUSSIA, TO The Letters of the Grand Lodge AND GRAND MASTER OF ENGLAND.-As we are bound to discountenance all impostors to Freemasonry, we shall follow the example of the Most Worshipful Grand Master, and the Grand Lodge held on the 3rd of June, by severing connection with the Prussian soi-disans Freemasons, and treat them as a secret society unconnected with pure Masonic doctrines,

"Until they own their fault, and grace be granted."

We shall not identify ourselves with religious or political societies, and presume the list of the Grand Officers of the Royal York Lodge of Berlin, will disappear from the Freemasons' calendar until such time as they may think proper to return to their admitted Landmarks. We should, after what has passed, not have considered it necessary to say one word more, but that the reply of the Royal York Grand Lodge of

THE SUPPLEMENTARY NUMBER WAS PUBLISHED ON THE 15th OF MAY, 1813, CONTAINING ALL THE INTERESTING PARTICULARS, MASONIC AND OTHERWISE, RELATING TO H.R.H. THE DUKE OF SUSSEX, THE LATE ILLUSTRIOUS GRAND MASTER. WITH A PORTRAIT, AND MAY BE HAD OF THE PUBLISHERS, MESSRS. SHERWOOD AND CO., 23, PATERNOSTER ROW. PRICE THRêe shillingsS.

VOL. IV.

U