fusal to admit the representative of Prussia in the Grand Lodge of England, would have been the most astringent course, but now the signature of your authorities has been shown to be disregarded and your certificates treated as so much worthless paper. You cannot and dare not tolerate this; and I suppose you will declare all sympathy at end, and that Prussian Freemasons are not to be admitted to your Lodges; but in this you will not even be the first to act, as what I am about to state might be thought too ridiculous if it were not too serious for a joke. In the instructions issued by the Three Globes, another of our Grand Lodges (you know we possess three,) it is stated, "Christianity is the basis of Freemasonry; tolerance Lodges are known to exist, in which non-Christians are admitted and initiated; such must, however, never be considered as Masonic Lodges, they have the shadow but not the substance of Freemasonry; they are to be looked upon as impostors to Masonry, and our members are strictly cautioned against visiting such." What do you think of this? Considering your Grand Lodge granted a warrant in 1737, to establish the first Lodge in Germany, namely, in Hambro', and that it remained under your protection until 1811, and from this Lodge our Berlin Masonry emanated in 1740: so that your hopeful offspring is pretty courageous, though somewhat ungrateful; nevertheless it strikes me calling you names, or ordering their members to avoid your Lodges, does not look very Masonic, nor show signs of a very strong cause; but I need not tell you the Masons here are somewhat connected with religious and even political movements. Strong measures will become necessary; we are prepared for them, and so are our friends, who are neither "few nor uncertain." As to the representative Hebeler, he has not written one syllable to the Lodge here of his memorable declaration in your Grand Lodge on 4th September last year; he knew well at the time, he was fooling you; I leave him and his statements to you, &c. &c.*

JEWISH AND PRUSSIAN FREEMASONS.

Ir is understood that the Secretary of the Royal York Grand Lodge of Berlin, has protested against the non-admission of Jewish Masons into that Lodge; also that the resolution for such non-admission, with the Secretary's protest, as well as the decision arrived at in consequence, has been printed by such Grand Lodge, and circulated among its subordinate Lodges. It is a curious document; for while they acknowledge the exclusion of Jews to be improper-that they deeply regret it, and would alter the same, but that they fear to offend the PrinceProtector, who had declared his resolution to abide by the exclusion, hopes are entertained that his Royal Highness would become more enlightened, and would yield to justice what he denied to propriety, when without his sanction the Grand Lodge could not act. Some Brethren fear that this schism will endanger the Order. We answer, there is no fear; the Prince-Protector, like other mortals, should be taught a moral lesson; he possesses no immunity to disgrace the Order; rather let him retire than that the true holiness of Freemasonry should be desecrated.

Br. Faudel's motion for considering the subject in the Grand Lodge of England, has been withdrawn for the present, in compliment to the wishes of the Earl of Zetland, who will, we understand, himself take the matter into his own consideration, as regards Jewish Masons with English certificates. We however, as journalists, should take a still higher tone, and endeavor to emancipate Prussian Lodges from a disgraceful serfdom. In our next we hope to give evidence of moral improvement.-[Review.

*The Lodge of Joppa (London,) consisting of nearly all Jews, intend, as we hear, to apply to the Grand Lodge of England on the subject.

INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS OF MIDDLESEX LODGE, AT FRAMINGHAM, MASS.

R. W. BR MOORE,

ces.

ON ITS FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY.

Dear Sir:-Middlesex Lodge having entered on the fiftieth year since its formation, it seemed good to us to mark the event by some appropriate serviPreparation was accordingly made, by inviting a Brother to give a public Masonic Address on the occasion, and securing the large and commodious Town Hall, of Framingham, as the place of meeting. The officers elect of the Lodge were duly Installed in ample form, on the same evening. The exercises were in the following order:

1. Music by the Band.

2. Prayer by Rev. Br. William Barry.

3. Reading the Scriptures by Rev. Br. Baury, of Newton.

4. Singing by the choir, led by Dr. S. Whitney.

5. Ceremonies of Installation by Br. J. O. Skinner, P. M.

6. Singing.

7. Benediction by Rev. Br. Charles Train.

These services were listened to with that strict attention which denoted that the assembly was gratified and profited by what was spoken.

The Address of Br. Wells was an able and successful vindication of the Masonic Institution against the more common objections which are urged in opposition to it. It was rich in matter, and earnestly and eloquently delivered. Not only did it meet the approbation of the Fraternity, but men of high character for intelligence and moral worth, not Masons, expressed their high gratification at hearing so candid and fair an exhibition of the principles and aims of the Order. And I do not doubt that it will do much, to dispel the erroneous views and prejudices which exist in the community. I have heard Br. Wells speak several times on similar occasions, but never with such perfect satisfaction as at the meeting in Framingham.

He first referred to the pleasing fact, that Middlesex Lodge still lives, still retains its pristine vigor, notwithstanding the changes that have taken place in the world since it was established. Within fifty years, WASHINGTON, the Father of his country, and LA FAYETTE, the friend of man, both being ancient friends of the Masonic Institution, have ceased their labors on earth, to enter the celestial Lodge above. During this period many sects and parties have sprung up into being, and after a brief and troubled existence, have vanished away.

The antimasonic crusade was originated within this period, and that even has been relinquished, and neither the efforts of the selfish politician, nor the fears of the timid, nor the falseness of professed friends, have subverted this Lodge. It stands, it lives, it carries on its labors, it still performs its gentle ministry of peace, charity and brotherly affection, throughout the circle of its influence. It is believed that there was not a single person present who was an original member of the Lodge. There was a change of persons; the administration of the Lodge had changed hands, but the Institution itself had not changed This Lodge too, has ever kept up its stated meetings without

ever yielding to discouragement, or being disheartened by the dark clouds of adversity.

After the introduction, Br. Wells proceeded to consider several objections which are made to the Masonic Institution; such as, it is a secret society; it excludes the gentler sex; it admits men of every sect in religion, and party in politics, into its communion; it undertakes a work that properly belongs to the Church; and lastly, it is a strict and unaccommodating society, and does not conform to the changing fashions and tastes of the times. All these were thoroughly treated, and shown not to exist, or to be in reality no valid objection. But I cannot, and must not, attempt to give an outline of the Address for want of space.

After these exercises were concluded, the Brethren, together with their ladies and invited guests, repaired to the hotel of Joseph Fuller, Esq., where an ample and elegant supper had been provided, and there spent a couple of hours in social and festive enjoyment. The company at the table numbered one hundred and fifty, of whom one-third were ladies.

After the supper had been dispatched, we were regaled with music from the band, and the flow of wit and sentiment from various Brethren. Some of the sentiments which were offered are as follows:

1. In memory of the original founders and members of Middlesex Lodge. 2. The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, present by its representative, the Orator of the occasion; we never need thirst while we can draw from such excellent wells.

3. Response of Br. Wells: The female members of Middlesex Lodge. Their smiles are ever beating upon us encouragement and joy, like the sun at high meridian.

4. By Br. J. O. Skinner: Morning Star Lodge, of Worcester; though its brightness was for a time obscured, yet we greet its renewed appearance above the horizon as a sign of hope and promise to the whole Fraternity. 5. By Br. C. R. Train: The Society of Odd Fellows.

6. Response by Rev. H. P. Stevens. As Freemasonry dates its origin as far back as Solomon, and his Temple, which edifice was erected without the sound of axe, hammer, or any instrument of iron, thus quietly and unobtrusively may Freemasons fulfil their mission of peace and love.

7. By Br. C. R. Train. The members of Meridian Lodge, at Newton. 8. Response by Gen. Rice, Master of Meridian Lodge. The past officers of Middlesex Lodge. Though they go out, they still shine.

9. Br. J. O. Skinner, one of those kindly referred to in the foregoing sentiment, replied, at some length, as follows: "W. Master and Brethren,—I am happy to be with you to-night. My heart is full, for this occasion is to me of deeper interest than to the most of you present. Six years ago I became a member of the Masonic family, and for two years I have been honored with the office of Master. I am sincerely thankful for the testimonials of respect and confidence that I have received from this Lodge, and on ceasing my official connection with it, I shall not by any means cease to wish, or to work, for its prosperity. At the time of my initiation, the Institution was just reviving from the inactivity caused by the malignant hostility of its enemies.

Freemasonry, indeed, never, during the darkest days, lost its vitality, nor suspended its charities, nor ceased to number its strong and steady supporters; but its labors were carried on with more than usual reserve, it made itself felt without being seen or heard, and its pulsations beat so gently as to attract no attention from an indifferent or gainsaying world.

Thanks to a few faithful Brethren, Middlesex Lodge did not, like many sister Lodges, suspend its meetings, but kept them up through all opposition and reproach. Its records bear testimony to the steady zeal and honorable perseverance of its members, in holding fast to their integrity, through the transient excitements of the public mind, and in despising the gain or favor to be procured by a sacrifice of principle or a betrayal of friends.

Yet if this Lodge were not prostrated by persecuting intolerance, it shared with other Lodges in the common calamity; its meetings were thinly attended, its finances embarrassed and its usefulness diminished.

And the same adverse influences which for a time appeared to threaten the extinction of the Order, have no doubt partially operated up to the present time, and prevented its rapid increase in numbers. But then a sudden enlargement is not what all desire. I hope we all appreciate the peculiar character of the Masonic Institution too well to seek for a hasty growth or an indiscriminate accession of numbers or strength.

It is of too long standing, it has been too well considered in its organization, to suffer from the narrow prejudices of the ignorant, or be benefitted by the headlong zeal of the enthusiast. The spiritual Temple we aim to rear has a purpose and object too high and sacred to admit of any materials being employed, except the tried and true. Its strength must ever lie in the integrity of its members, and not in numbers; in the prevalence of its spirit, rather than in the multiplication of its badges or its honors.

Truly, my Brethren, when we consider the growing interest, manifested by this meeting, in favor of our Order, and the revival of Lodges in the adjacent towns, we may take courage and rejoice in the prospect before us.

One thing, before I close, I must not forget to say, and that is, that in all my Masonic experience and intercourse with Freemasons, for six years, there has been an uninterrupted prevalence of harmony and good feeling. When in the political world fierce contention was raging around me, and religion was disfigured by sectarian jealousy and strife, all has been peace in the Lodge.

While the interested and selfish, who cared nothing for principle, were willing to violate their solemn obligations, and were even bold and bad enough to advise others to seek the same level of infamy with themselves, yet the base and double-tongued have been rebuked, and God smiles upon and blesses the true and upright man, the true and faithful Mason.

Brethren, I could say much more if time would permit. But it is needless. I cease my immediate connection with this Lodge reluctantly, because it has been a source of pleasure and a means of improvement to me; and I shall always hear of your prosperity with great satisfaction."

Thus, Br. Moore, the evening passed off, and the Brethren separated at a late hour, at the instance of the Band striking up "Sweet Home." Reserving some particulars concerning Midd. Lodge, which I think may interest your readers, for another occasion, I remain yours, very truly,

Dudley, Nov. 18. 1845.

J. O. S.

BENEFICENCE BY FORCE.

Translated from L'Orient, for this Magazine, by Br. G. WASHINGTON WARREN.

PART I.

SIR BONBOROUGH, a wealthy English gentleman, disliked exceedingly the fog, which London offered to him in great abundance, and much preferred the intelligent and artificial life which London refused to him with avarice. He therefore emigrated. He would have chosen Italy for his residence, which has no fog at all, and which has a little of that intelligent and artificial life; but he preferred to establish himself at Paris, where the intelligent and artificial life abounds, although there is ever so little of fog. This shows, that Sir Bonborough had still more love for the one, than aversion to the other.

He established himself at the street New Saint George, where one is far from the Seine and quite near the opera.

Sir Bonborough is wealthy;-and this might excuse him for the want of other qualities. He is however generous and obliging-he has also his faults-among which the most startling are an unbounded obstinacy, which fortunately he directs to a good object more frequently than to a bad one-and this is a peculiar characteristic, and an exclusive sentiment of nationality, proclaiming to and against all the supremacy of England—a sentiment which undoubtedly would have been held a virtue in London, but which, to say the least, would be troublesome in Paris.

In addition to the other traits of English character, of which he had however all the excellent qualities, Bonborough brought with him to France a strong tincture of odd humor. He was a rare, but a frank and clever original.

As soon as he was settled in his new home, he determined to solicit Masonic initiation. Masonry is much honored in England,-and what he had learned from an intelligent public of the charitable object and brotherly harmony of the institution, strongly impressed his noble and generous nature.

He saw the light in the respectable Lodge "Friendship," under the direction of the Grand East. Of the profitable instruction which he received in the course of the initiation we shall mention nothing, except the reply which he gave to a Brother who asked his opinion concerning duelling; he replied promptly to that question," Humanly, duelling is wrong-for it is often force substituted for rightsocially, it is to be condemned, for it is the administering of justice by every body. If the duel is, under any extraordinary circumstances, a sad and terrible necessity, we must cast the blame upon him who makes it so.". This bold and accurate sentiment obtained for him the votes of all the Brethren, and enabled him to escape the cast of a few black balls, which another remark, the effect of which was far from being so satisfactory, would otherwise have brought upon him. When he was asked, "Are all men equal in your eyes ?" "Yes," he replied. "But," said the examiner," speak frankly now,--do you not establish in the secrets of your heart any difference between them?" "No," said he, "except that an Englishman appears to me primus inter pares, the first among his equals."

Sir Bonborough took quite at heart the duties which were imposed upon him by his new obligation. They were indeed very easy to him, for they were em