KNIGHTS OF ST. JOHN. -- -THE BADGE WE WEAR. 21 and acted upon, as illegal and unconstitutional, and an encroachment on the natu- JOHN CHRISTIE, Illustrious Captain of the L. G. KILLIAN H. VAN RENSSELAER, Sovereign Grand Inspector General 33d. PROPERTY OF KNIGHTS OF ST. JOHN SEIZED BY PARLIAMENT. In the thirtysecond year of the reign of King Henry the 8th, A. D. 1540, "In a Parliament which began the 18th April, the corporation of the Knights of the Rhodes, or Knights of St. John of Jerusalem in England and Ireland, was utterly dissolved and made void, the king, his heirs and successors, to have and to enjoy all the mansion-house, church and all other edifices, buildings, and gardens, to the same belonging, near to the city of London, called the house of St. John of Jerusalem, in England: and also the hospital church and house of Kylmaine in Ireland: with all castles, honors, manors, meases, lands, tenements, rents, reversions, services, woods, meadows, pastures, parks, warrens, &c., in England and Ireland, with all the goods, chattels, &c. William Weston, Knight Prior of the said Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem in England, during his life to have an annual rent of one thousand pounds, and such reasonable portion of the goods and chattels of the said house as the king shall appoint him. John Rawson, Knight Prior of St. John of Jerusalem, in Ireland, five hundred marks, with a reasonable portion of goods. Clement West, two hundred pounds; Thomas Pemberton, eighty pounds; G. Russell, one hundred pounds; G. Ailmar, one hundred pounds; John Sutton, two hundred pounds; G. Bellengam, one hundred pounds; E. Browne, fifty pounds; E. Huse, one hundred marks; Ambrose Cave, one hundred marks; William Terrill, thirty pounds; John Rawson, two hundred marks; A. Rogers, Oswald Massingberd, and other eight, each of them, ten pounds yearly, with portion of the goods as the king should limit: so that the pensions appointed to the said Knights and Brethren amounted to two thousand eight hundred and seventy pounds the year, out of the lands to the Hospital appertaining."-Stow's Annals. THE BADGE WE WEAR. ay BR. W. SNEWING. ERE round bold Jason's daring oar Or wonder saw Rome's eagle soar Above the prostrate world; The badge which we as Masons wear, Then Brothers let it be your care, More ancient than the golden fleece, And garter, is the badge of peace, It is the badge of innocence And friendship's holy flame; And if you ne'er give that offence, It ne'er will bring thee shame.-Freemasons' Review. MASONIC INTELLIGENCE. INDIA. BOMBAY.-Lodge Rising Star of Western India.-May 10.-The members mustered pretty freely; among them was Br. Manockjee Cursetjee; who, however, deeply distressed by the very recent loss of his excellent and revered parent, Cursetjee Manockjee, who died on the 7th instant, at the advanced age of eightythree, made an attempt to meet the Lodge, from a high sense of public duty. The R. W. Br. Dr. Burnes presided, and passed a very appropriate eulogium on the character of his deceased friend; who, although not a Freemason by name, practised intuitively its principles; and, as the father of a distinguished Brother in the Craft, was deeply regretted. The R. W. Br. Burnes proposed, and the motion was carried by acclamation, that the historian of the Craft, the Rev. G. Oliver, D. D., and Robert Thomas Crucefix, M. D., should be enrolled as honorary members of the Lodge, as a mark of affection, respect, and esteem felt by it, for the great services rendered by each of these learned Brethren, to the Order of "Freemasonry Universal." It is fondly believed these two pillars of the Order will not disdain the friendly compliment of becoming honorary members of the first Lodge established for the introduction of native gentlemen. On this occasion, the privilege of a Freemason was conferred on a most worthy native gentleman, Meerza Ally Akbar, Khan Bhadoor, who has served with great distinction in Cabool and Scinde, and has been publicly noticed by the GovernorGeneral of India, in a manner reflecting credit on him of no ordinary stamp. The prefix to his name, Khan Bhadoor, (meaning noble and brave) is a title conferred on him by that high authority, to mark the approbation with which government has regarded his valuable services; and he is now holding a prominent office under his excellency, Sir Charles Napier. The "Star" is now composed of ten native members (of which, nine, including Meerza Ally Akbar, have been initiated within its portals. Br. Manockjee Cursetjee having been initiated in Paris,) and thirtyeight European members; of whom five are honorary. The reason why our native members are but few, is, that for obvious reasons, we rather select them as men of extraordinary virtue, than from a vast community for the sake of numbers; thus exhibiting Freemasonry in its proper light of pure morality. SWITZERLAND. It is with great pleasure that we are enabled to inform our readers that, the whole of the Fraternity in Switzerland has become united; and will, in future, be governed by one Grand Lodge. This gratifying event was solemnized on the 24th of June, 1844, by the installation of the R. W. Brother I. J. Hottinger as M. W. G. M. of the "Alpina," or Grand Lodge of Switzerland. The G. Lodge of Berne, and the G. Lodge Zurich, with all the officers, attended, and duly attested the regularity of the proceedings; at the same time resigning into the hands of the M. W. Brother their various patents and offices. The laws for future reference were confirmed, and three days devoted to Freemasonry and enjoyment. BAYREUTH.-The Lodges here have been closed by command; the reason assigned is, that as no government official can be a G. M., and the Grand Master being a magistrate, and therefore an officer under government, he must act in his magisterial capacity under superior orders. BRUNSWICK. The last year's receipts of the institution for pensions to widows and orphans of Masons here, amounted to 570 Rts, about £85. The revenue is derived from interest of capital commenced to be collected in 1839, and contributions from various Lodges. The idea originated with, and was effected by, the Lodge of Charles, in the crowned columns. BREMEN. The Olive-Branch Lodge here has established a widow's fund. In 1842, it consisted of ninetyone subscribers; seventeen widows are now receiving a handsome yearly allowance. CHEMNITZ. On the 16th of April, 1844, the first stone of a new building, intended for a Masonic Hall, was laid here. The Lodge of Harmony at Hohenstein has transferred itself to this place, and the members of the two Lodges will in future meet at Chemnitz. COBLENTZ.-After some difficulties and cessations, a new Masonic Hall has been opened here, the name of the Lodge meeting in it is "Frederick in the Love of Fatherland." DUSSELDORF.--On the last St. John's day, the Lodge of the "United Three" issued a circular letter, containing a statement of the monetary and Masonic affairs of the year. Among other matters therein stated, is the report of the clothing of twentytwo orphan, or partly orphan, children, of which two were JEWISH, (!) and the whole of them, together with their friends, dined with the members of the Lodge. The Brethren voted a sum of money for a poor resident in the town, having heard that, although himself in the lowest grade of poverty, he received into his hut a fellow-creature who had fallen at his door from want and disease. He had, for many months, nursed and supported this poor creature out of his precarious means, without assistance from any one, and without making it public. These facts coming to the knowledge of the Craft, the Lodge, as above stated, forwarded a voluntary contribution. The same Lodge has added itself to the eighteen united Lodges of the Rhine, for the purpose of alleviating the distresses of the inhabitants of the Silesian mountains. FRANKFORT. The disputes about the eclectic union have given rise to the publication of eight or nine pamphlets for and against the measure; some censuring, others approving, of the steps taken by the Lodge of "the Rising Light." Some of the pamphlets are issued by Lodges, others by private individuals. We shall probably on some future occasion allude fully to the subject. GASSLAR.-The asylum for watching over the orphans of Freemasons, commenced by the Lodge, "Hercymia of the Burning Star," in 1843, has commenced operations. LAUBAN.-Br. Ramming having, by his will, left 500 rix thaler towards founding a fund for the relief of widows of Freemasons, the Lodge Isis of this place has added 200 rix thaler, making about £100 sterling; and thus established the much needed charity. LUXEMBURG.-Bishop Laurent has given positive instructions to his clergy to refuse Christian burial, the sacrament, and all other church advantages, to such Catholics as belonged to the Masonic fraternity! And to be particularly careful to ascertain which of their parishioners were Freemasons. MARIENBURG. The Lodges from the neighboring towns were invited to join the Victoria on St. John's day, and a numerous meeting took place on the occasion, at the Three Steeples, the Brethren from Elbing and Brounsberg attending. MERSEBERG. The "Golden Cross" Lodge has instituted a benevolent fund for supporting widows and orphans when in extreme distress; as soon as the relieved are enabled to maintain themselves, the relief ceases. In NEISSE a similar fund, and rules of the same description, have been established. SCHWEEDINTZ.-The Brethren have established and endowed a Sunday school, the Master of the Lodge for the time being having the control. WISMAR.-Two charities have been founded here by the Masonic Lodge. The first is a weekly stipend for the orphans of members of the Lodge, the other a loan fund for Masons; to the latter, an anonymous Brother has liberally contributed. FRANCE. PARIS, The Grand Orient has issued warrants for the following Lodges:Bildah, in Algiers, the Atlas; St. John d'Angely, Equality Regenerated; Bazas, Friends of Humanity; Corfu, the Phoenix. Applications for warrants have been received from Calais, for the Lodge of Perseverance; Nimes, Philanthropy; Mons, Friends of Worth. The funds in hand of the Grand Orient, at last meeting, amounted to 39,624f 36c. The number of Lodges under the Supreme Council, is greatly increasing. During the last half year, the following have been added :-Paris, the Star of Bethlehem; St. Denis, the Disciples of Zion; Cayenne, the Equinox of France; Valencennes, the True Masons; Charenton, the Admirers of Virtue; Vaize, the Friends of Truth; Lyons, the Unity; Geneva, the Fidelity; Sandwich Islands the Progress of Oceanie. TOULON.-Some stringent resolutions of the Lodges here have been circulated among the Brethren, in order to insure their more regular attendance to Masonic work; neither the practice nor the principles of the Order have been properly regarded. VAIZE-On the 27th of October, the Lodge of " Friends of Truth" was consecrated; at the ceremony, a picquet of the 7th regiment of the line attended; their band played during the time. LYONS.-A commission has been named, to inquire into the state of Freemasonry here; they meet weekly, and will shortly report upon the state of the Masonic laws and other matters. On the 12th of May, grand doings took place at the Lodge L'Aysle du Sage; about 500 persons were present, to witness the adoption of four children of Masons by the Lodge. MARSEILLES.-Freemasonry is in bad order here, and has fallen very low. IRELAN D. LIMERICK, March 26.-The Masonic fancy and full dress ball instituted by the members of the Union Lodge, No. 13, with the laudable and benevolent intention of contributing to the fund for the relief of the widows and orphans of deceased Masons, came off at the Philosophical Society House; and we are happy to say, most fully realized the anticipations of the Craft, over three hundred and fifty of the gentry of Limerick and adjoining counties having assembled to enjoy the pleasures of the evening, and participate in the generous festivities of the "Sons of Light." The first object of attraction that rivetted the eye in the ball room was the splendid throne of the Worshipful Master of Lodge 13, at either side of which were placed the state chairs of the Prov. Grand Master of North Munster, and the Dep. Prov. Grand Master, bedecked with casque, sword, banners, and all the mysterious emblazonments of prince and philosophical Masonry. Under the gallery extended the banner of the Prov. Grand Master, and many curious devices were perceptible at every turn, shewn off to much advantage by a profusion of brilliant gas jets, which shed a blaze of light that rivalled the glory of full noon. The refreshment room, which commanded a full view of the ball room, was also tastefully laid out, lined with naval flags, and ornamented with full length portraits, similar to those displayed in the ball room. At half past nine, the arrival of the P. G. Master was announced by a flourish of trumpets, when he was received by his Grand Wardens, the city and county High Sheriffs, attended by Brs. Crips and Mac Namara; and proceeding through a double column of the Brethren, advanced to the throne, which, with the symbol of authority, having been tendered in the requisite form, he affectionately requested his Brother, the Worshipful Master, to resume the same, and allow him to bow to his authority for the night, and the W. M. acceding, ordered the due salute to be given for the Prov. Grand Master, which was well and truly answered. The Prov. Grand Master was in the uniform of Deputy Lieutenant, and covered with the brilliant decorations of the Order, from that of Chevalier de Soleil down to the early badge of his mother Lodge, No. 13, surmounted by the massive Prov. Grand Lodge chain and jewel. This part of the ceremony being gone through, the Masonic body promenaded the ball room for a few minutes, before dancing commenced. At ten o'clock the ball was opened, when dancing commenced with a quadrille, and was followed by a waltz, the polka, &c. until one o'clock. The Deacons announced supper, and the W. M. led up the Hon. Mrs. Saville; the Prov. Grand Master, the Hon. Miss Burgh; Lord Downes, Lady Massy; the city High Sheriff, Senior Grand Warden, Mrs. Jervis; the county High Sheriff, Senior Warden of No. 13, and Junior Grand Warden, Mrs. Furnell; the band playing the Entered Apprentices' march. The Worshipful Master of Lodge 13 presided, and the stewards used their best efforts to obviate any complaints of neglect, or inconvenience on the part of the guests not belonging to the Order. The toasts were given from the chair, from behind which a trumpet sounded a note of preparation, the band of the 15th regiment being in attendance to perform appropriate accompaniments. The kindness of Lord Downes in attending to patronise this charitable Masonic ball, will establish a grateful recollection of the gallant and noble commandant in the minds of the Order in this city. We regret the want of space prevents our giving a list of the rank and fashioħ that graced the evening. CORK, March 26. The annual Masonic Fancy Dress Ball, in support of the funds of the Cork Masonic Female Orphan Asylum, took place last night at the Imperial Hotel; and, we are happy to state, went off in a manner equally gratifying to the friends of the excellent charity referred to, as to the numerous votaries of pleasure who had anxiously anticipated the brilliant fete. For several days past, our streets were more than usually animated, by the equipages of the county gentry who flocked in to lend their presence on the occasion; and as the hour for opening the festival approached, very near six hundred were present. On entering the principal salon de danse, the effect was beautiful. Facing the entrance, at the extreme end, was a splendid crescent of variagated lamps, surmounting two well-executed portraits in transparency of the Queen and her illustrious Consort. Around the walls were hung numerous banners of the Craft. The second room was equally well fitted up; a transparency of the "Solitary Sister," Mrs. Aldworth, being placed at one end, and at the other an admirably designed painting of the virtues, Faith, Hope, and Charity. Around the room were ranged tables, at which, refreshments of the most inviting description were served during the night. The music was most effective. The band of the 16th regiment, under the direction of Signor de Angelis, played numerous much admired pieces; and the string band, conducted by Mr. Smith, was all that could be desired. The attention of the stewards during the night, to the throng of guests, was most assiduous. At about ten o'clock, the Brethren of the First Lodge of Ireland proceeded to open the ball, marching in procession two and two from the lobby of the principal stair case to the ball-room. The appearance of their numerous orders and decorations, was very splendid; indicating, as they did, the different degrees attained in Masonry by the wearers, and which none but those initiated into the arcana of the Craft, could pretend to unravel. The fancy dresses worn on the occasion were not numerous; but, in every instance, chosen with much taste. At about twelve o'clock, when the company had ceased arriving, and the rooms crowded almost to inconvenience, the scene was truly spirit-stirring. The numerous uniforms of the naval and military officers, contrasted with the beautiful |