Correspondence.

distinguished from tho whole . I submit that in no respect aro these threo points , which lie at tho root of tho religions aspects of Freemasonry , sectarian dogmas . They aro held by tho entire body of Christians throughout tho world not in obedience to any human authority , secular or religions , but , if I may use the expression , as axioms based on the instincts and experience of mankind at large , and

only incapable of demonstration by reason of their being matters of faith . Further , two of these points certainly , and I think few will contradict mo if I add tho third also , viz , tho resurrection of the body , are held equally by Christians , Jews , Mahometans , Parsees , Buddhists , in fact by all men who havo any idea of religion . Masonry

therefore is to all intents and purposes universal ; jnst as it is true to say that mon universally havo two feet , albeit some poor creatures aro born without tho fnll complement of members—so it is not necessary to go out of our course to consider the accidental monstrosities , to be found , alas ! in every age , who deliberately shut their eyes , and thon proclaim themselves as being tho only people who aro

not in tho dark . Bro . Norton makes an amusing mis-quotation . He speaks of tho W . M ' . s promising candidates that " Masonio duties will not interfere with thoir religious opinions . " Snroly tho W . M merely says to tho candidate ivho has already confessed his faith in God , that his Masonic OB . will not clash with his religious duties . Imagine tho religious

opinions of a man who denies the existence of a God or a future state ! Further , Sir , Bro . Norton sneers ab clerical brethren . Let me assure him , as a clergyman and a Mason of 25 years standing , that opposition to a scheme for the " secularising " of Freemasonry will not como from the clergy only ; we in England aro proud to know that the overwhelming majority of our lay brethren are at one with

us m a sincere and loyal faith in the primary elements of religious truth . If we , which God forbid , were content to be silent , they would immediately cry out and shame onr silence . Lastly , Sir , Bro . Norton is sick and tired of hearing that Masonry is a religion , and that it is not a religion . The italics are his . Can ho really not understand how a man may with perfect consistency say ,

" I am a religious man , holding and practising according to my ability religious truth ; but it is not my office to teach it , and I decline to do so ? Similarly a body of men may fairly claim a religious character for the society to which they belong , and yet withhold from pronouncing , or as our brother would say " dogmatizing" in matters

ot faith . I am , Dear Sir and Brother , Yours fraternally , 11 th February 1880 . P . G . C . OXON , 489 .

ROYAL MASONIC PUPILS' ASSISTANCE FUND . To the Editor of the FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —I quite agree with you that in any scheme for assisting tho children of deceased or indigent brethren , Warwickshire would play its part right loyally , but it strikes mo the fear as to expense as expressed by Bro . Machen in his letter of the 3 rd inst . is groundless . Tho Assistance Fund once raised will

be invested in the names of certain trustees . There will bo nn honorary Treasurer who , will receive and disburse moneys on account of the Fund . A Committee of Management , to receive and consider applications for assistance would be necessary , but this would cost nothing , as those who already take an active interest in our Schools would , I am sure , be only too glad to give the slight

services—slight as regards the time they would occupy , though important in other respects—that would be required of them , gratuitously . There would remain only the expense of postage , circulars , and an annual report , which need not and , I imagine , would not be excessive . The Fund would not require to be a large one , for I presume it is not contemplated to incur tho expense of sending a number

of pupils to ono or other of the Universities , or to give a preliminary course of education to all who are candidates for admission into our Schools until they succeed in being elected . Only now and then will be found a pupil who is likely to achieve distinction at a University , and in assisting others on leaving School to begin the battle of life , a

moderate sum , judiciously applied , will go a long way . Nor is the education of small children in the neighbourhoods in which they live likely to bo very heavy . Thus , there is no reason why , in administering a supplementary Fund , a numerous staff of paid officials should bo organised . Fraternally yours , BETA ,

THE GENERAL COMMITTEE AND BRO . S . BARTON WILSON .

To the " Editor of the FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —I read with much regret in your account of the meeting of the Committee , that Bro . Stephen B . Wilson _ claim , which has been so long nnder consideration by tho authorities of the Boys' School , has been referred back to the Ilonso Committee . Now this strikes me as being most unbusinesslike . Tho House

Committee have already considered the claim , and there is little likelihood of their being able to throw further light upon it . There is but one issue which has to be determined , and many months are not needed for tho purpose . Either tho claim is just or unjust , and Bro . Wilson a long timo ago handsomely offered to submit it to

the arbitration of a prominent member of his own profession about whoso worthiness to act in that capacity there cannot bo the slightest question . This shows that Bro . Wilson has perfect faith in the justice of his charges , and as it is hardly possible to find a better way of settling tho matter , I am at a loss to see why tho Committee

Correspondence.

have rejected Bro . Wilson ' s offer . Without further and moro satisfactory explanation than any tho authorities havo yefc given , I should say—speaking of course Masonically , as certain other people speak in a Pickwickian sense—that harsh treatment is being , and for some time past has been , meted out to Bro . Wilson in being thus bandied about from pillar to post , or to be as precise aa possible ,

from Houso Committeo to General Committee , and back again to the former , and the question very naturally arises , are these Com . mittecs competent to settle whether an architect ' s charges are juab or unjust ? I imagine not , any more than a lay tribunal ia competent to decide on technical points of law . Why not then have reconrso to arbitration , when tho matter in dispute can be settled

in a few minutes , always providing , at least , the arbitrators possess a sound knowledge of the business to bo determined . It may cost a little more than a brief " consideration " repeated monthly across a table , but it will be moro dignified and less expensive than it must bo if the difference has to be settled legally . In Committees there may be safety , in the sense of security from all responsibility for

individual opinions , but I question if there is always a display of wisdom . Let ns hopo tho Houso Committee , by tbe time these lines meet tho eyes of your readers , will havo completed their portion of the arduous task of considering . It is a fine thing to have a proper idea of duty , a still finer thing to fulfil that duty conscientiously , but it is tho finest thing of all when people are able to

bring common sense to bear in the conscientions fulfilment of a duty they appreciate and understand ; and references and considerations , needlessly repeated , are not in accordance with common sense , but rather with a dilatory and perfunctory style of work ; or , shall I say ? with what has come to be known in Parliamentary circles , as tho policy of " obstruction . " I am , Faithfully and fraternally yours , T . G . It .

[ Wo think there is some force in our correspondent's , remarks as to tho unbusiness-liko character of these repeated delays , and shall take an early opportunity of considering tho subject . We think , too , with him , that whilo Bro . Stephen Barton Wilson is having more than his just share of consideration of ono kind , he is receiving less than he is entitled to expect of consideration of another kind . — ED . F . C ]

The following verses , describing an incident thab occurred afc the opening of Parliament by tho Queen on Thursday , Sth February last , aro culled from a contemporary : —

Disappointed.

DISAPPOINTED .

On Thursday morning last our office-boy Remarked , "In state the Queen will open session . " Said we , " Well , go , if it will give you joy , And try to make a great and good impression , — By uttering a loud though childish cheer , And smiling sweetly right from ear to ear . "

Forthwith he went , and quickly found a place Before the mighty crowd awaiting Royalty ; He pnt a cheerful smile upon his face , Which savoured more of impishness than loyalty ! Yet , ah ! his wish to cheer was most insatient , And waiting idly made him quite impatient .

At last the Queen arrived . A breath ho drew As near to him the prancing horses pattered ; He raised his hat , and raised his small voice too , But all his cherished hopes were rudely shattered , A very stout policeman , indiscreetly , Eclipsed onr little office-boy completely !

A moment more , and then be moved aside ; But , ah ! the Queen had journeyed on ahead ! Our little office-boy gave way and cried , For all his fondly-cherished hopes were dead . No matter how he smiled , how loud his cheer , Her Majesty could neither see nor hear ! ) th February 1880 . F . JULIAN CROOEK .

Meeting Of The Lodge Of Benevolence.

MEETING OF THE LODGE OF BENEVOLENCE .

rnHE Lodge of Benevolence and the Quarterly Board of Masters -L was held on Wednesday evening , at Freemasons' Hall . Bro . Joshua Nunn took the chair of President , Bro . James Brett tho chair of Senior Vice-President , and Bro . James Kench the chair of Jnnior Vice-President . Nearly a hundred brethren attended . The agenda paper , on which wore several important and interesting matters for

discussion at next Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge , on the 3 rd of March , was read to tho brethren by the Grand Secretary , Col . Shadwell H . Gierke ; after which tho Lodgo of Benevolence was opened , and tho brethren confirmed tho granting of £ 270 , recommended at tho last meeting . The now list of petitions contained the

names of thirty-one applicants for relief , and the consideration of these occupied a protracted sitting of close upon five hours . In the result two cases wero deferred , and tho remaining twenty-nine were i-- _ i--. * - > v _ -- ~ " —~ __ . _ .. __ , ___ W _ ---. __ . _ _ U -vYuubjr - _ ¦ __ YY-A- .

relieved with recommendations of grants , and grants amounting in all to £ 913 , viz ., three of £ 75 each , threo of £ 50 each , five of £ 40 each , threo of £ 30 each , threo of £ 25 each , seven of £ 20 each , two of £ 10 each , two of £ 5 and one of £ 3 .