ing two of the three degrees of ancient Masonry, and without a dispensation. This appears to be the result of ignorance, which exists among the Brethren in relation to the regulations of the Grand Lodge, and shows, in strong colors, the necessity of the publication of the proceedings of this Body at its Annual Communication being widely disseminated and read in the subordinate bodies for the information of the members; and it should be the province and duty of all the Brethren who are cognisant of such errors, to report the same to the Grand Officers, that proper action might be had on the matter. Every Lodge, knowingly offending should receive from the proper authority a suitable rebuke at least, if not lose its charter.

EXAMINATION OF CANDIDATES.

The practice of examining candidates in the prior degrees before admission to the higher, in order to ascertain their proficiency, is gaining the favorable notice of Masters of Lodges, and cannot be too highly valued nor too strongly recommended to all Lodges in this jurisdiction. It necessarily requires the novitiate to reflect upon the bearing of all that has been so far taught him, and consequently to impress upon his mind the beauty and utility of those sublime truths, which have been illustrated in the course of the ceremonies he has witnessed in his progress in the mystic art. In a word, it will be the means of making competent overseers of the work-and no candidate should be advanced until he has satisfied the Lodge by such examination, that he has made the necessary proficiency in the lower degree-those made under dispensation only excepted.

REFRESHMENTS.

The practice of furnishing refreshments in Lodges at their regular meetings, I am glad to find is rapidly growing into disfavor--the evil tendency of such conviviality, has been so plainly apparent to the best observers of its effects, that few if any Lodges in this jurisdiction indulge in such a display of Freemasonry. A proper social intercourse can be better maintained by the mental, than the physical feast-whilst the one excites, the other rather tends to depress, the exercise of those feelings, which in themselves being virtuous, lead to virtue. The surplus funds of Lodges should be held and used for benevolence and charity, not for the indulgence of selfish propensities, and animal appetites-whilst the cry of the widow and the orphan, and the worthy Brother in distress, is continually in our ears, let us nourish the funds which should (when occasion demands) be applied to their relief and not selfishly appropriate to personal gratification, that to which their necessities have a just claim.

This need not prevent a suitable celebration of those Masonic festivals which time has permitted and usage sanctioned, when conducted in a proper manner, with temperance and with harmony, and social Brotherly feeling; on the contrary, the annual Convention of neighboring Lodges for such purposes, is calculated rather to bind together as one, the diffused particles of the body of the Order-their communication causes the extension of knowledge among the Fraternity, and produces the beauty of Masonic harmony; our aim and hope.

ORPHAN ASYLUM.

The fund for the purpose of establishing a Freemason's Orphan Asylum, calls loudly on the Brethren for their liberal aid-little progress has latterly been made in its increase, and without the action of those who really believe that charity is one of the chiefest of those virtues we profess to practice, it will languish through the period of our brief life, and that noble purpose in which we had failed, be left (as a sad legacy) for succeeding and more zealous generations to accomplish; but I still hope that the examples before us, set by many sister Grand Lodges, will stimulate and arouse the Fraternity of this State to that energetic action necessary to enable the present generation to enjoy the honor and the happiness of completing what they so well begun. Let me earnestly plead with you Brethren, not to allow this matter to slumber-fix upon some plan by which

its accomplishment may be assured, let not the Orphan and the Widow, helpless and worthy, appeal to us in vain. We know not but that it may be the lot of the dear relicts of some of us, to be driven to the sad necessity of making that appeal! Would you wish them to appeal in vain? Reflect! be resolved to act, promptly, liberally, and the great end is accomplished.

MASONS' HALL.

With more pleasure I can refer to a fund for a Mason's Hall. Within the past few months a project (under a very great prospect of speedy success) has been started upon the plan of a joint Stock Company, to be incorporated under the general Act of the State, to erect a building in some convenient spot in this City, suitable in its architecture and arrangements, to the dignity of this Institution, and to the wants of the Fraternity for the meetings of all the Masonic Bodies of the City, for the meetings of this Grand Body, and for the necessary accommodation of its Officers and Committees, as well as for the Library which has been commenced; a sufficient vacancy to be left for shops to be rented to tradesmen, by which means it is calculated a revenue will be derived to compensate the stockholders with a reasonable interest upon their investment; at the same time that it will reduce the expense of those bodies who will enjoy its use, and add much to their comfort and convenience. I am happy to add that one-sixth of the amount necessary has been already subscribed, and before another year rolls round, I hope to be able to say the work has been commenced, if not finished.

LODGE OF STRICT OBSERVANCE.

This is one of the best Lodges in New York, and we are happy to learn that it is rapidly working its way into favor with all intelligent Brethren. We believe our indefatigable friend and R. W. Brother, James Herring, G. Secretary, has the honor to have originated it, and to preside over its proceedings. The following letter furnishes an interesting history of its rise and progress:

TO THE R. W. GRAND LODGE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK:

R. W. and W. Brethren,-In compliance with the resolutions of the Grand Lodge, in June, 1842, requesting each Subordinate Lodge, to make out a brief statement of facts connected with the general interest of Masonry, and such other matters appertaining to the Institution, as they may deem proper to transmit to the Grand Lodge, the Lodge of Strict Observance, No. 94, beg leave to state their progress and operations, since they were constituted on the 27th December, A. L. 5843.

Their first act after being organized as a Lodge, was to take under their care, two little orphan boys, the children of Brother Wm. H. Hunter, P. Master of Hiram Lodge, No. 92, at Newburgh, who had recently died in this city. Believing it to be better thus to bestow what funds the Lodge might be able to appropriate to charity, than to be exposed to the impositions of those who we have been informed are constantly travelling through the country, and deriving support from Masonic Benevolence undeserved.

These little boys have been regarded as children of the Lodge, and their welfare is a subject of satisfaction to every member.

The Lodge was organized with eleven members, one of whom has since withdrawn; they have received nine adjoining members, one of whom has also withdrawn, his business compelling him to visit the Continent of Europe. They have initiated, passed, and raised ten candidates, on two of whom, they have conferred three degrees, and on another, the second and third degrees, by dispensation.

They also conferred the second and third degrees, on two Brothers, coming to the Lodge as E. A. (one of whom by dispensation,) and have initiated and passed, two Brothers who have not yet taken the third degree.

They have at present twentysix Master Masons, members of the Lodge, and two Fellow-Crafts under instruction.

The Lodge has prescribed for itself an invariable rule, that every Brother previous to being advanced, shall pass a strict examination in open Lodge, on the previous degree. The patience and study requisite for these examinations, have proved to be as satisfactory to the candidates, as their proficiency has been to their instructors, and to the Brethren who have witnessed their advancement.

In pursuance of the regulation of the Lodge, which requires every meeting to be occupied in some useful work, several meetings have been rendered exceedingly interesting and instructive, by having read from the Chair, or by the Secretary, selections from the writings of some of the most learned and celebrated European Brethren, or from the publications of some of the most strict and systematic of the Grand Lodges of Europe, particularly of the Grand Lodge of Switzerland, as well as those of our own Grand Lodge.

The Lodge has commenced the formation of a Library and Museum, for the use of the Brethren.

They would also beg leave to state that the Lodge since its organization, has paid into the funds of the Grand Lodge, the sum of one hundred and twenty dollars.

The Lodge has adopted the practice of taking up a collection at every meeting, for the purposes of general Charity, and they have been enabled from this source to appropriate fortyfour dollars to the relief of applicants.

The total amount of Charity granted by the Lodge for the eighteen months we have been in operation, is one hundred and nineteen dollars.

The Lodge is sorry to report that they have been compelled to refuse some few applicants who were found unworthy, but are gratified in being enabled to say, that in no instance have they been obliged to refuse assistance to any worthy applicant.

The amount of funds in the Lodge, after paying all debts, is one hundred dollars.

Finally, we have the pleasure of stating to the Grand Lodge, that in the brief space of our existence as a Lodge, our efforts to discharge our Masonic duties in accordance with the strict principles of our foundation, have met with no serious impediment, and we trust will meet the expectations, and be approved by the Grand Lodge.

New York, June, 1845.

RICHARD P. ROBINSON, Secretary pro tem.

NEW HAMPSHIRE.

THE printed proceedings of the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire, for the past year, are unusually interesting; and we regret that we cannot find room for more liberal extracts than we are at present able to lay before our readers.

GRAND LODGE CERTIFICATES.

Resolved, That the subordinate Lodges in this State require of strangers the certificate of the Grand Lodge as a pre-requisite to admission.

REVIVAL OF DORMANT LODGES.

Resolved, That upon petition to the Grand Master, of seven or more Master Masons, in regular standing, requesting the restoration of any charter, which has become void by surrender, or an omission to be represented, or in making their annual returns since June, 1830, the Grand Master is hereby authorized and requested, if he shall deem it expedient, to re-instate any such subordinate Lodge under this jurisdiction, by directing the Grand Secretary to restore them their charter."

From the report of the Committee on foreign correspondence, we make the following extracts:

PROSPERITY OF THE INSTITUTION.

A new era is just now commencing in the history of Masonry. She has passed through a fiery ordeal, but like the three ancient worthies, she has escaped unscorched, and without even a smell of fire upon her garments. She has risen from the ashes with renewed youth, with increased vigor, and better than before-prepared for the work in which she is engaged. So furiously were our Brethren in Michigan assailed, that the Grand Lodge in that State, and all the subordinate Lodges with a single exception, were obliged to suspend their labors. They are now reviving in every part of the State, and the cause is steadily progressing. The Grand Lodge has been re-organized; but doubts having been entertained by some other Grand Lodges whether this was done in conformity with Masonic usage, we are happy to learn that steps are now taking to remove those doubts, and restore entire confidence.

The Committee on Foreign correspondence in Virginia, say:

"In our own Jurisdiction peace and prosperity hold an undisturbed reign. The Masonic Craft never occupied a loftier position than at the present time. Like a moral Pharos, the Institution lifts itself above the stormy ocean of prejudice and passion, shedding its pure light upon the agitated waters. A sublime memorial of the inflexible virtues of the past-a Temple and a Sanctuary for the woes of the present-like hope, it smiles Earthward while it lifts its calm eye Heavenward, and by the intensity of its gaze, shows that its trust is in God! It has been rocked by tempests-seared by the lightnings-it has been a butt for the shafts of bigotry-the waters of party strife have tried its strong foundationyet it stands as firm as when the pealing notes of praise first resounded in its courts, and the Solomons and Hirams bowed before its Altars."

The following is an extract from the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge in Ten

nessee:

"In conclusion, your Committee cannot but express the opinion that the present is a very auspicious period in the history of the Fraternity, both here and elsewhere. Peace reigns within our borders, prosperity showers her blessings upon us, and we may be permitted to invoke the Great Architect of the Universe to watch over and guide us to the truth in all things, and preserve us from disturbances within or broils without."

In Kentucky dispensations have been granted to nine new Lodges, and applications were made for four others. In Mississippi, three hundred and thirtysix have been initiated the past year. In Illinois, seven dispensations have been granted for new Lodges. Young Iowa too, is engaging heartily in the workher first Lodge was established in 1840, and she has now a flourishing Grand Lodge.

The D. G. M. in an address to the Grand Lodge of Maine, says that applications to some Lodges are so numerous that time is hardly found to attend to them.

Wisconsin too, is engaging heart and hand in the work-a Grand Lodge has been established there about a year and a half, and it has six Lodges within its jurisdiction, and two U. D.

From Europe, too, we have intelligence of the most cheering character. Masonry never seemed to be in better condition there than at the present moment. In England, France, Switzerland and upon the Rhine, the cause is received with unusual favor.

Our own State, too, is moving onward-several applications have been made for the restoration of charters: initiations are becoming frequent, and the spirit of inquiry and action is abroad and rising. Soon may we hope to see our favored institution here restored to her former place.

ESTABLISHMENT OF COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS.

The establishment of Colleges and preparatory Schools for the education of the orphan children of worthy Brother Masons, is a new feature in the history of Masonry in this country; and it is one which no Mason can contemplate but with the liveliest emotions. In a considerable number of States vigorous efforts are now making in the Grand Lodges to place the means of a thorough education within the reach of the children of Masons. In this noble, and praiseworthy enterprise, Missouri takes the lead. In the Journal of Proceedings of the G. Lodge of that State for April and October, 5844, is a highly interesting account of their Institution. It is entirely under the control of the Grand Lodge, and is to be a college and school for the instruction of youth in all branches of learning usually taught in such institutions, and an asylum for the orphans of the destitute Master Masons, and such others as the Grand Lodge may admit. It is called the Masonic College of the State of Missouri,-all the Officers and instructors are to be Masons. It went into operation in May of last year, and in October numbered about fifty scholars. Four of the subordinate Lodges have beneficiaries there, and the institution appears in a highly prosperous condition.

We cannot speak in terms of too high praise of our Brethren in Missouri for this noble effort of theirs in the cause of philanthrophy, education, and Masonry ; and they have our most hearty wishes for their prosperity and success.

The Grand Lodges in the States of North Carolina, Indiana, Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi and Illinois are all agitating the same matter, and some of them are adopting vigorous measures for the accomplishment of the same object.

Perhaps there may not exist in the Northern States where the means of a common education at a public expense are brought home to the whole community, the same necessity for the measures adopted by our southern and western Brethren. Still it is worthy of consideration, whether something of this kind may not and ought not to be done here. We observe with pleasure that it is recommended by some of the Grand Lodges to the subordinate Lodges to seek out the orphans of worthy Brothers and see that they are properly provided for; and that the means for acquiring an education are furnished them at the expense of the Lodge.

In the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, the following resolution was passed:

Resolved, That the Grand Lodge request each and every subordinate Lodge under its jurisdiction, to appoint a committee, whose duty it shall be, to find out all of the orphan children of deceased Masons, within the limits of its jurisdiction, and those that are in indigent circumstances, and send said children to the school in the neighborhood where they live, and pay for the same out of the funds of the Lodge, and by subscriptions from members and transient members; and if there cannot be means enough raised by such sources, then this G. Lodge may appropriate such sums as it may deem proper, for such purposes, by petition being made for the same."

We have only to reflect upon this subject for a moment to see where the path of duty lies, and that and the path of highest interest are identical.

VISITING SICK BRETHREN.

Among the distinguishing features of modern Masonry, is the disposition in the brotherhood which is becoming more and more manifest every year, to reduce its beautiful precepts to practice. None of these have higher claims than that of visiting, sympathising with, and aiding those upon whom disease has laid its heavy hand. 1