Reviews.

Reviews .

"THE QUEEN ' S PRINTERS' AIDS TO THE STUDENT OF THE HOLY BIBLE . " l *' . yre and Spottiswoode , Her Majesty's Printers : London , Edinburgh , Glasgow , Melbourne , Sydney , and New York . —This remarkable and valuable work has been enlarged and revised to date ( 1894 ) , and is , beyond question , without any superior , and has but few equals , either as respects the variety and accuracy of its information , the originality and interesting character of the several articles ( several of which are quite new ) , or the

usefulness and sustained interest of the volume from first to last . The " Aids " are invaluable for Biblical students generally , and especially ior members of the Craft who desire authoritative or trustworthy explanations and information as to thc Chronology , Ethnology , Metals and Precious Stones :, Moneys and Weights , and Symbolical language of the Bible . These are all ably treated by scholars of the highest repute , including our respected Bro .

the Rev . Canon Tristram , D . D ., F . R . S ., & c , Deputy Prov . G . M . Durham . The articles on the Hebrew Calendar , the Holy Land , the Hebrews in relation to the Oriental Monarchies of Egypt , Assyria , Babylonia , Persia , Syria , and Phoenicia , thc Jewish Sects ancl Orders and Societies , and others concerning the Old Testament History are of particular value and importance for brethren conversant with the "Higher Degrees . " A careful examination of several of

the chapters , devoted to this absorbing study , would amply lepay intelligent Freemasons who desire to understand the chief characters referred to in our Rituals , as well as correctly to appreciate the numerous references tothe Bible in the ' * Old Charges " of the operative Masons . Chronologically and linguistically this artistic volume is of the greatest excellence , and the arrangement of the contents , with a very lull index and table , leaves nothing to be desired .

The Concordance will be found of special utility , and the atlas ( with index ) is a prominent feature of the work . Other advantages might be enumerated , proving that the " Aids " are worthy of the name , for it is a Biblical triumph , but sufficient has been said to illustrate the main characteristics of this opportune publication , by Her Majesty's Printers , of Great New-street , London . Copies in various bindings and prices may be seen at all large book establishments .

"RECORDS OF THE LODGE OF FORTITUDE , No . 281 . " Compiled from the Minute Books by H . Longman , P . P . G . S . of W . West Lanes ., & c , & c . Lancaster : J . M . Wigley , Printer , 67 and 69 , Market-street . 1 S 95 . "—There is no question as lo the very material service which is rendered to the Craft generally by the brother who undertakes the compilation of the history of a lodge or of a series of lodges . The more we know of the manner in which lodges

are organised and maintained on the roll and discharge their allotted duties , the greater the probability that the dangers and difficulties by which nearly every lodge is beset at some period or periods during its existence , will be avoided . Sometimes the dangers which threaten the extinction of a newly-formed lodge at the loutset of its career or later are of a monetary character ; sometimes they arise from the jealous rivalries of some of its members ,

and sometimes through the outbreak of dissensions more or less serious ; and it is well for us to know how these dangers have been surmounted , by the exhibition of what tact and judgment on the part of the W . M . or other influential members , by what sacrifice of personal ambition on the part of some brother , or by what generous munificence in the case of one on whom Fortune has bestowed certain of her choicest gifts . When we find these things recorded in

a lodge history , we are naturally impelled to say unto those who are founding or have founded a new lodge-Go ye and do likewise , and your lodge will assuredly prosper , as that ol which these matters have been recorded has prospered . Then , again , if lodge minutes have been fortunately preseived and are found to have been fairly kept , we are able—at least in the care of such as this Ledge of Foititude , No . 2 S 1 , which has been

in existence for very many years—to trace how old customs and usages havc died out and been revived , how new ones have been established and in their turn disappeared or fallen into abeyance ; how degrees outside the limits of Craft Masonry were treated , and how at different periods a lodge was officered , as well as nl what manner of men it was composed , ln shoit , thc inner life of the lodge with all that concerns its constitution and development is placed

clearly befcue us , and , as we havc Faid before , new lodges are able lo guide llieir own footsteps by means of its recorded cxperier ces . But llierc ate sur dry conditions which the compiler if suili ahUtoty is expected to fulfil . Before all things he must remember lhat he is treating of the private affairs of a private lodc ; c , and he must respect that privacy by going ES li ' . llc ES possible into actual details where differences or dilh ' culiics have arisen . He ought also to ensure , as far as

he can , ll at hi :, nairative is clear and connected , fluently wiitlen , and , above all , readable . Considering the nature cl thc material ; with vvhich thc lodge historian is often called upon to deal , the fullimcnt uf these conditions is by no means an easy task ; but Bro . Longman , though there is much to bc desired in the style of his composition , and though wc think his history would have proved mere atlraclivc if it had taken the form of a

nanali \ e inslead ol that of annals , deserves much credit for his compilation . It is evident that he has gone carefully thiough the minutes , so far as they havc been preserved ; he has noted thc principal events in thc career of Fortitude without goinir into unnecessary detail ; hc tells us , what he properly may tell us , uf thc difficulties and differences which occurred at different periods during thc lirst hundred jears uf its existence , and bc lays btress on what

is worthy of imitatnon in thc conduct of ils members , whether collectively as thc lodge or individually . He has , indeed , succeeded in the ( ask , hc imposed upon himself of compiling a history of tlic proceedings of Fortitude , No . JSI , Irom thc date of constitution by thc Grand Lodge of the " Moderns " in IJ & J , to the celebration of its centenary lestiva ! in iSSy , when his Royal Highness the M . W . G . M . was pleaded to grant it a centenary warrant

and accord lo its , subsenbing members lhc privilege of wearing a centenary jewel . Inline , wc thank him for his addition lo oui lodge histories ; wc congratulate him on the success of hia work , and we trust , when occasion presents itself , that though there is not much of exceptional interest in what he has so carefully recorded , we shall again have the pleasure ol referring to , and it may be , quoting from his work .

Masonic Notes And Queries.

Masonic Notes and Queries .

1066 ] — THE "LAMBTON" MEDAL . I am much obliged to my friend Bro . G . W . Bain ( erroneously spelt " Honi " in the Freemason , for 2 nd inst . ) , for the information he affords relative to the " Lambton" Lodge Medal . As he will have seen , however , in the same paper , I have obtained all needful particulars from the courteous Prov . Grand Secretary

( Bro . Robert Hudson ) and shall have them duly noted in the Transactions of the" Quatuor Coronati " Lodge , now in the Press . Owing to the regulation respecting the jewel being returned to the Treasurer of the lodge on the death or resignation of a member , not one has ever occurred for sale , or noted in any catalogue or lists of medals . Still , it is extraordinary that no

mention has been made of the handsome decoration , save in the work noted of 1836 . In . the preparation of my " Masonic Register" of 1878 , I used every effort to discover and trace all such medals , and though successful as to many , this one escaped me , which is one of the handsomest and most interesting of all Masonic jewels worn in England . W . J . HUGHAN .

Craft Masonry.

Craft Masonry .

[ HWIM ^ ^ ^

IPROVINCIAL MEETINGS . BRADFORD . Acacia Lodge ( No . 2321 ) . — The regular monthly meeting of this lodge was held on Thursday , the 7 th ult ., at the Masonic Hall . There was a good attendance , Bro . C . H . Ellis , W . M ., presiding , and there were also present Bros . John T . Last , I . P . M . j John Niven ,

P . M . ; S . A . Auty , P . M . ; S . A . Bailey , P . M ., Treas . ; T . Wainman Holmes , P . M ., P . P . G . Org . ; John Morton , S . W . ; J . B . Fearnley , J . W . j W . Shaw Smith , Asst . Sec ; A . E . Harris , S . D . ; John Harland , as J . D . ; C . 1 . Paul , as I . G . ; H . Holmes , Tyler ; R . Harland , R . B . Nicholls , Chas . Wood , R . Markham , R . Marsland , T . P . Sykes , Henry Bowler , T . H . Bedford , W . Docksey , J . S .

Hedley , and others . Visitors : Bros . J . Corrin Bell , W . M . 1283 ; W . H . Newhouse , P . M . 1301 ; C . Sydney Vinning , 284 ; and R . Fisher , 600 . . The lodge having been opened , the minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed . Bro . Holmes , P . M ., P . P . G . Org ., then read an admirable paper entitled , "A Few Notes on the Third Tracing Board , " which was listened to

with marked attention by the brethren . Bro . Holmes referred to the Egyptian ancient mysteries and to the gradual progress of the Neophyte from his initiation through the several stages of his probation towards perfection . A very cordial vote of thanks to Bro . Holmes for his most interesting paper was passed , the W . M ., and Bros . S . A . Auty , P . M . ; [ ohn Morton , S . W . ; and 1 . B . Fearnley , J . W .,

speaking on the motion . After "Hearty good wishes " from the visiting brethren , the lodge was closed . After refreshment , and the usual loyal and Masonic toasts had been honoured , the W . M . proposed " The Visitors , " who were accorded a very hearty welcome . Bro . J . C . Bell , W . M . 12 S 3 , responded . He referred to a pleasant visit he had previously made to the lodge , and

notwithstanding the inclement weather , he felt very amply repaid for the journey he had taken to be present that evening . He had listened to Bro . Holmes' paper with the greatest interest and p leasure . The manner in which he ( Bro . Holmes ) had spiritualised the symbols of the Order could not fail to have done them all good . It would be a great advantage to the Craft generally if more of such

lectures and papers were given and read in the lodges , that the brethren might be educated in the deeper teaching of the ritual of the ceremonies , and from what they had heard that evening , it was evident that there was a great deal that could be learnt by the careful and industrious student in Freemasonry . He concluded by thanking the brethren ior the hearty manner in which they had received the visitors .

Bros . Newhouse , P . M ., and C . Sydney Vinning also responded , and referred in eulogistic terms to Bro . Holmes ' paper . "The W . M ., " "Past Masters , " and other toasts were duly given , and the Tyler ' s toast terminated a pleasant meeting . Bros . Fearnley , Sykes , Docksey , Harland , Swaine , Harris , and Vinning contributed songs and music to the harmony of thc meeting .

DIDSBURY . Doric Lodge ( No . 2359 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held on Saturday , the 9 th inst . Bro . A . K . Boothroyd , W . M ., presided , and there were also present Bros . G . A . Meyers , P . P . G . D . of C , I . P . M . ; C . E .

Towell , P . M . ; Geo . S . Smith , P . M ., P . P . G . O . E . Lanes ., Prov . G . Org . W . Lanes ., acting S . W . ; John Walker , J . W . ; Fred . Thomas , Sec ; James Sharpies , J . D . ; Fred . Morgan , I . G . ; R . W . T . Saffers , W . W . Wilkinson , Brundrett , Norris , R . W . Powsell , Moore , Ratchford , Murray , Moss , and Baldwen . Bro . J . Woodward , P . M ., was a visitor .

EAST GRINSTEAD . Sackville Lodge ( No . 1619 ) . —The regular meeting of this lodge was held in the Crown Hotel , on Tuesday , the 5 th inst . There was a small attendance , Bro . Wood , W . M ., presiding . A F . C . was raised to the

Sublime Degree of M . M . Bro . Mitchell , P . M ., assisted the W . M . by taking the latter part of the ceremony , Bro . Mitchell's perfect working was much appreciated by the brethren . The W . M . having resumed the lodge to the First Degree , a vote of condolence was passed , and Bro . Bletchley , P . M ., Sec , was instructed to send it with a

Craft Masonry.

suitable letter to the widow of the . late Bro . Smith , P . M . Bro . Head , P . M ., was unanimously requested to act as Steward for the lodge at the forthcoming Festival of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution . Bro . Canon Cooper , P . M ., Chap ., moved " that , at the next regular meeting the Building Committee of the proposed Masonic Hall bring up

a full report of the steps that had already been taken in connection with the building of the hall , and that the Committee would advise what they considered best to be done to forward the scheme . " The W . M . seconded this resolution , and thanked the Chaplain for bringing it forward . The lodge was then closed .

FOLKESTONE . Temple Lodge ( No . 558 ) . —There was a very full attendance , including the Drp . P . G . M ., Bro . J . S . Eastes , P . G . D ., at the Masonic Hall , on Tuesday , the 5 th inst ., upon the occasion of the annual meeting , when Bro . Clifford J . Saunders , S . W ., was duly installed in the W . M . ' s chair . The business was opened at about four

o'clock by Bro . J . G . Cheyney , W . M .. who in due course handed over the gavel to Bro . J . J . Bettle , P . M . 928 , to whose capable hands had been entrusted the important task of installation . The Installing Master performed the ceremony in a most creditable fashion , after which the newlyinstalled W . M . proceeded to the appointment and investiture of his officers as follows : Bros . I . G . Cheyney , I . P . M . ;

H . G . Clements , S . W . ; S . J . Petts , J . W . ; G . L . Hart , P . M ., Treas . ; Wm . Francis , P . M ., Sec ; Rev . J . E . Player , P . M ., Chap . ; W . G . Goddard , S . D . ; T . J . Sams , J . D . ; E . B . Pain , I . G . ; Willson , Atkinson , and F . Major , Stwds . ; H . D . Stock , P . M ., D . C . ; H . T . Longley , Org . ; Butcher , Tyler ; and Holmes , Asst . Tyler . Before the closing of the lodge a pleasing duty fell to the lot of the

W . M ., in handing over , on behalf of itsmembers , a handsome gold Past Master ' s jewel to the retiring W . M ., Bro . J . G . Cheyney , I . P . M . In doing so , Bro . Saunders referred in felicitous terms to the conduct of its recipient during the past 12 months , and warmly complimented him upon the services he had been enabled to render the Fraternity . In replyBro . Cheyney sincerely thanked the

, members for their presentation and token of recognition of what he had been permitted to do on their behalf . He had done his best , and was gratified to find that his efforts had met with the pleasing testimony of the approbation of the lodge . In the evening the brethren , to the number of between 60 and 70 , dined together at the Royal Pavilion Hotel . Too

warm words of praise cannot be bestowed upon the dinner and its arrangements , which reflected great credit _ even upon an establishment enjoying the enviable reputation of the Pavilion . Equally admirable , too , were the speeches given , when the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were duly honoured ; while the musical arrangements were of a very high order

of merit . During the evening a substantial sum was raked for the Masonic Charities .

HARROGATE . Harrogate and Claro Lodge ( No . 1001 ) . —The regular lodge was held on Friday , the Sth inst ., at the Masonic Hall , when a large number of the members assembled to witness the raising of Bro . Harry Smith , and the initiation of Mr . H . A . Holmes . Both ceremonies were most ably carried out by the W . M ., Bro . Walter Davy , who

again gave evidence of his skill and ability as a master of the ritual . The scrooling for W . M . for the coming year next took place , when Bro . Alfred B . Booty , S . W ., was unanimously elected W . M . elect . After the W . M . had formally declared the ballot unanimous , Bro . Booty thanked the brethren for their united votes . He hoped that he would be enabled to fulfil the duties attaining to that high office ,

having the greatest confidence in his supporters . He trusted that when the time came to relinquish his office , he would leave the chair unstained and unsullied as he had found it . Bro . A . I . Spinks was unanimously elected Treas ., and returned thanks in well-chosen words . Two propositions were given , and the lodge was closed . The brethren and visitors remained to supper . After the

loyal toasts , music was indulged in . "The Health of the Worshi p ful Master" was proposed by the S . W ., who referred to the splendid manner in which Bro . Davey had discharged the duties of his office , his unvarying kindness and consideration for his officers and the brethren , and the high esteem in which he was held by all .

Musical honours were then given . "The Visiting Brethren" returned thanks for . their health being drunk . The Worshipful Master then proposed "The Health of the W . M . Elect , Bro . Alfred B . Booty , S . W . " He said that no words of his could recommend Bro . Booty to them _ , his attention to his duties , his knowledge of the workine of ceremonies and ritual commended him to them ,

and he was delighted that he was their Master for the coming year . He felt sorry his time was drawing to a close , out he was g lad to welcome his successor , and wished him every prosperity and happiness in the lodge . Bro . Booty , S . W ., in response , said he felt that he was undertaking most serious duties , and unless he had the confidence and support of allheindeedwould be at a

, , , loss in taking the position of Master . Every good Mason should strive to take the chair . He had workedquietly and diligently , and they had rewarded him by their unanimous vote that evening . He spoke again of the W . M . ' s kindness and good nature , and hoped that a share of that love and

esteem might be accorded him as their future W . M . H « hoped that at the end of his reign he would relinquish his chair , which he hoped prestige had given it , and that the record of good Masters would not be oroken . "The Officers" followed , and the Tyler ' s toast con eluded a happy gathering .

HURSTPIERPOINT Southdown Lodge ( No . 1797 ) . —The annua meeting of this lodge was held at the New Inn , on Wednesday the 20 th ult . The lodge was opened by Bro . T . Wickham , VV . M ., in the presence of a goodl y number of lodge members and visitors . After an initiation , the ceremony <" installation was impressively performed by the W . M ., Bro * C . Clarke , S . W ., being elevated to that honour . Headdresses were respectively given by Bros . G . RawljnSO"i P . P . A . G . D . C ; T . Wickham , P . M . ; and J . C . Buckwell , P . P . J . G . W . Bro . C . Clarke invested his officers aa