open before us. The principles, the morals, the religion of our Order, all compose a part, the chief part, of the revelations of God to man. I shall not be charged with enthusiasm, nor do I fear that I shall have improper motives attributed to me, when I here solemnly declare my conviction, that no man can be raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason, without clearer and more impressive views of some of the truths of revelation, than can be had by another means. I will not specify, but I will say, they are just those truths which every good man loves to contemplate, which every Christian desires to understand, and which it is the great business of the minister of the gospel to unfold.

"Freemasonry has ever stood the rallying point-the neutral ground-where may meet the men of all nations, and of all orders. Among its members and zealous supporters, have been the great and good of the earth. The halls of science, the study of the philosopher, the senate, the pulpit, the throne, and the field of war, have laid many of their proudest and best men upon her altars. Men of highest rank, of purest morals-the mansion of the rich, and cabin of the poor, have laid their contributions upon her altars, and felt that in so doing, society was benefited, man was elevated, and God glorified. The patriot and the Christian have fraternized in the duties of the Order, and each has met the other upon the line and parted upon the square. Earth has known no names more honorable than have been enrolled among the active members of our Order. Could Newton, Locke, Hale, Franklin, Lafayette, with Washington-the statesman, the patriot and the Christian-lend their influence to the support and prosperity of an Institution, the tendency of wuich was to produce evil to mankind? Yet these were Masons."

Exclusiveness of Masonic Charity." It has been charged upon us, that if we perform good deeds, they are confined to the members of the Order. We do not deny that the members of the Order, their widows and orphans, possess a first claim upon us, but we do deny that our aid is confined to these. There are no more liberal_men in any community, according to their means, than the members of our Fraternity. But suppose it true that we are more liberal to those of our own, is this a fault? Is not the same true of our State and Federal Government? is it not true of the different denominations of Christians? Our avowed object is mutual aid, but not to the exclusion of others. One of our principles is to regard all men as a vast brotherhood; and, taught by_inspiration, we do good unto all men, especially to the household of faith'-the Brethren of the Craft." "But, it is said, Masons are no better than other men. Masons are frail as others; and we have not claimed for Masonry any power to transform man, and make him 'a new creature in Christ Jesus.' It can only modify, or check, not regenerate. I do not intend by these remarks to justify our errors; much less do I intend to excuse the gross and unpardonable abandonment of principle, which is manifest in the conduct of men who have been permitted to enjoy the lights and benefits of Masonry, and then return like the sow to wallow in the mire. We excuse the indiscretion of a Brother, but wilful outrage upon morals is inexcusable. Neither do I wish to be understood, in speaking of Masons to embrace these. No man thinks of including Arnold among the heroes of the Revolution, and no man includes Judas among the self-denying band of apostles.

Brethren, while upon this subject, I venture to caution, to entreat the officers and members of the Lodges here assembled, to guard well the outer doors of the temple. No man should be admitted whose public or private character is known to be immoral. If your own brother knocks for admittance, and you know him to be unworthy, turn a deaf ear to his application. Your officers should be good men and true, and the reins of government should never become slack. Who that traces the path of Masonry from its birth till now, does not see that the fury of its foes has kindled most fiercely, when the unworthy crowd stood beneath her arches, and caught inspiration from her altars; or when Masons forgot the level, the plumb and the square? But the history of the past admonishes us of our danger, and furnishes us with instruction too important to be neglected. The Church and the State, the Kingdom and the Republic, the prince and the subject, have

marshalled their combined forces to our overthrow: like the waves of old ocean, have the floods gathered and broken against us, and yet we have stood. We are this day the oldest human organized body upon the earth: our foundation was laid deep and broad, and time which wastes the work of human hands, has given strength and grace to the superstructure we have wrought; and, firm as the pillars which support the world, we shall stand until He who spake and it was done, shall dissolve the frame-work of nature, and transfer the ashler, polished here, to 'that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.' Our foes are powerless, unless we are shorn of our strength by the indiscriminate admission of members, or the base inconsistency of those who, with the light before them, plunge into the darkness. The fortress is safe unless disguised traitors enter and then deliver us to our enemies. If we abide by our ancient landmarks, if we hold fast to the principles of our Order, no power of earth or hell can prevail against us. "To the favor and support of my fair hearers, I most cordially commend Freemasonry. No woman has aught to fear for her husband, if he be a true hearted Mason. Let your smiles, then, continue to encourage the Order, and the just approval thus bestowed, shall be to you as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. Should widowed destitution ever appeal to us, it shall not appeal in vain. Should an orphan's wants reach our ears, he shall not be turned empty away. While I entreat for Masonry your favor, I commend you to the constant and unsparing kindness and liberality of the members of the Fraternity.

"My task is now performed- inadequately, it may be, but not the less sincere. I love Freemasonry; I love her gates and altars; I love her principles and her fraternal union and fellowship; but, most of all, I love her because she bids me on to virtue here, and points me upwards to the skies. Soon shall we be called from our labors here; and may we be worthy and well qualified to stand as pillars in the temple of God, to go out no more."

CORRESPONDENCE.

Tarborough, N. C., Aug. 12, 1847. COMP. C. W. MOORE:-Dear Sir:-On the 28th June last, delegates from Concord Chapter, No. 1, Wilmington; Roanoke Chapter, No. 4, Halifax; Concord Chapter, No. 5, Tarborough; met in convention at Masonic Hall, Wilmington, for the purpose of reviving the Grand R. A. Chapter of the State of North Carolina. A reorganization was effected by the adoption of a constitution and by-laws and the election of the following officers:

Alfred Martin, of Wilmington, G. H. P.; Isaac Northrop, of do., D. G. H. P.; Charles N. Webb, of Halifax, G. K.; A. P. Repiton, of Wilmington, G. S.; Thos. W. Brown, of Wilmington, G. Treas.; Louis C. Pender, of Tarborough, G. Sec. ; Rev. Thos. G. Lowe, of Halifax, G. Chap.; James T. Miller, of Wilmington, G. Marshal.

The meetings of the Grand Chapter are to be held in Wilmington, until June, 1851, by which time it is likely that several of the dormant Chapters will be revived and new Chapters chartered. The Grand Chapter can then fix on the most central place to hold its meetings.

Although in bad health, I attended the Convention as one of the delegates to represent the Chapter of this place. I never saw greater unanimity of feeling manifested in any deliberative body.

MASONIC INTELLIGENCE.

NOVA SCOTIA.

AT a meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Nova Scotia and its Dependencies, holden at Halifax, on the 28th December, 1846, the R. W. Hon. Alexander KEITH, Prov. G. Master, in the chair. The Grand Lodge was opened in due form and with solemn prayer. The minutes of the last Grand Lodge were read and confirmed.

The R. W. the Prov. G. Master, was then pleased to nominate and appoint the following Brethren Provincial Grand Officers for the year ensuing, who were invested and proclaimed accordingly:

R. W. James Forman, Esq., D. G. M.; Col. Calder, (R. E.) S. G. W.; Charles M. Cleary, Esq., J. G. W.; John Richardson, Esq., G. Treas.; John T. Twining, D. D., G. Chaplain; Adam Gordon Blair, Esq., G. Sec'ry; Henry C. D. Twining, Esq., S. G. D.; Joseph Whidden, Esq., J. G. D.; John Willis, G. D. of Ceremo nies; James Walters, G. Architect; Lawrence McLearn, G. Pursuivant. Br. George Anderson was re-appointed G. Tyler.

The Grand Treasurer's and Grand Secretary's accounts current for the past year were submitted, examined and passed.

The expulsion of Br. William George Fife, the late Master of the Virgin Lodge, No. 558, for gross unmasonic conduct, was confirmed, and a notification of the same directed to be made by the Prov. G. Secretary, in the customary manner.

The R. W. the Provincial Grand Master, had great satisfaction in acquainting the Brethren that the Craft under his jurisdiction continued to advance both in numbers and respectability. He expressed himself much pleased with the appearance of the Lodges established in Her Majesty's 14th and 89th Regiments, recently arrived on this station. He again adverted to the mode of working by the several Lodges, and regretted that Lodges of Instruction had not been formed, agreeably to his suggestion-a measure which he earnestly pressed upon the notice of Masters of Lodges, as one calling for their particular attention.

In recording his entire approval of the selections made by the several Lodges of Brethren to preside over them as Masters for the ensuing year, he felt it would be useless to impress at any length upon Masons, whose zeal and experience were so well known and long established, the important nature of the duties required of them. The periodical meetings should never be omitted, it being his opinion that nothing tended more to the proper conduct and management of a Lodge, than a regular and punctual attendance of its officers and members.

The P. G. Master cordiaily welcomed the visiting Brethren of Thistle Lodge, of Halifax, (on the Registry of the M. W. G. L. of Scotland.) He congratulated them upon the unanimity and proper feeling which at present so happily existed among the Craft, and which he trusted might never be interrupted.

The Provincial Grand Master, in thanking the Brethren for their numerous and punctual attendance, assured them of the great gratification it always afforded him to meet them, and of his anxiety to co-operate with them at all times in every measure likely to advance the interest or promote the credit of the Order-after which the Provincial Grand Lodge was closed in due form and with solemn prayer, and adjourned.

There was a Masonic Banquet in the Grand Banqueting Room of the Freemasons' Hall, in the evening. His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, Lieut. General Sir John Harvey, K. C. B. and K. C. H., and his Staff, with several members of the Council and other persons of distinction, honored the Brethren by dining with them on this occasion.

An especial Grand Lodge was holden at Halifax, on Monday, the 8th day of

February, 1847, the R. W. Prov. G. Master in the chair.

The Grand Lodge

opened in due form and with solemn prayer. Read and confirmed the minutes of the last Grand Lodge.

The Provincial Grand Master informed the Brethren that he had convened this Especial Grand Lodge for the purpose of paying that mark of respect which he considered due to its members, by acquainting them that the Most Worshipful Grand Master of England, had been pleased to extend his Masonical jurisdiction, by appointing him to be Grand Master of New Brunswick, and the Islands of Prince Edward and Newfoundland.

The Patent from the Rt. Hon. the Earl of Zetland, M. W. G. Master of England, appointing the Hon. Alexander Keith, Prov. G. Master of Nova Scotia, and a member of Her Majesty's Legislative Council, to be Provincial Grand Master for the Province of New Brunswick, and the Islands of Prince Edward and Newfoundland, was then read by the Provincial Grand Secretary. The gratification which he felt in making this communication, would, he was confident, be participated in by the Provincial Grand Lodge, who would justly appreciate this high and unsolicited mark of favor as a token of the trust and confidence reposed in their Provincial Grand Master by the highest Masonic authority.

The additional duties which must necessarily devolve upon him, from this widely extended jurisdiction, he was aware were both onerous and important. He would assure not only this Provincial Grand Lodge, but the Fraternity in general, that in their discharge he would be guided by those principles upon which he had hitherto acted a determination to conduct them honestly, fearlessly, independently, and in the manner most conducive, in his opinion, to advance the interest and promote the well-being of the Order, and more particularly of that portion of it over which he had the honor and pleasure to preside.

The Provincial Grand Secretary had received communications from most of the Lodges recently placed under his jurisdiction, and it added very materially to the pride and gratification he experienced in making this announcement, to be able to add that the notification of his appointment had been welcomed in the different districts, in the most kind and flattering manner, and that the measure had given universal satisfaction to the Craft.

The Provincial Grand Lodge was then closed in due form, and with solemn prayer, and adjourned.

EXPULSION.

Ar a meeting of Georgia Encampment No. 1, held in the city of Augusta, on the 4th January, 1847, the following resolutions were adopted:

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'Resolved, That Sir Knight Benjamin F. Kenrick, be, and he is hereby, expelled from all the benefits and privileges of Georgia Encampment No. 1, of Knights Templars, and appendant orders, and from the Order of Knighthood generally, for grossly immoral and unmasonic conduct.

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be forwarded to the editor of the Freemasons' Magazine, for publication."

I certify the above to be a true extract from the minutes of Georgia Encampment No. 1, of Knights Templars.

LAMBETH HOPKINS,

Recorder.

MASONIC CHIT CHAT.

PAST MASTER AND R. A. DEGREES IN ENGLAND.-Our correspondent who makes the inquiry, is informed, that the Past Master's degree is not recognized by the Constitutions of the Grand Lodge of England; neither is it required as preparatory for admission to the Chapter. Any Brother of good character, who has been one year a Master Mason, is an eligible candidate for the R. A. degree. The Mark, Past, and M. E. are not required, as in this country.

Our correspondent who sends us from South Carolina, the facts in a case now pending before his Lodge, must excuse our not publishing them. There would be a clear impropriety in doing so, at least before a decision has been had. The case is one of fact; and if sustained by proof, expulsion must follow. The previous bad character of the accused would justify this procedure, while the offence with which he stands charged, if true, imperatively demands that he should be expelled.

By the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire, an apprentice must work five months as such before he can be advanced to the second degree, and a fellow-craft three months before he can be admitted to the third degree, unless he can prove himself to be thoroughly acquainted with the preceding degree. This is a good regulation, and in conformity to the ancient usage.

INITIATION OF SOJOURNERS.-The Grand Lodge of Connecticut resolved, as early as 1803, "that no Lodge within its jurisdiction should initiate a person not an inhabitant of that State, unless he had resided at least twelve months within the State, and in the vicinity of the Lodge so initiating."

Some of our agents are exceedingly backward in attending to their collections. We would urgently impress upon them the necessity of greater promptness in this respect.

We learn that the M. W. Br. John Ralls, Esq., Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Missouri, has been elected Colonel of the 3d Regiment of Mo. Volunteers, and has started with his command for Santa Fe. Before leaving, says our correspondent," he issued a charter for holding a Military Lodge, to continue in force till the close of the war. Most of the officers and a large number of the men of the regiment, are Masons."

We regret to learn that the hall recently occupied by the Grand Lodge of Texas, at the city of Austin, has been destroyed by fire, together with all the archives of the Grand Lodge. This will prove to be a severe loss to that body, as many records and other valuable papers have been destroyed which cannot be replaced.

Our correspondent at Gaston, Ala., is informed that one written petition is all that can properly be required of any candidate for all the degrees conferred in a Lodge,-presuming, of course, that he wishes to receive all the degrees in one Lodge, and in regular time.

The several Lodges of A. Y. Masons in New Orleans, have each appointed Relief and Visiting Committees, to continue during the prevalence of the epidemic in that city. All citizens and transient sick Brethren are directed to furnish their names to any one of these committees.

What our correspondent writes from Lexington, is all new to us. Shall be happy to receive his promised communication, and further particulars on the subject matter of his private note.

Brethren who propose to add their names to the list of our present subscribers, for the ensuing volume, are requested to do so immediately.

Brs. Fred. C. Clark, of Windsor, and and Jas. M. Cowan, of Sandwich, Canada West, are authorized agents for the Magazine and Trestle Board, for the above places.