Freemasonry In England.

decline of Gothic architecture , for the most simple savage in liis hut or burrow , has a notion of ornament , whilst the sublime and beautiful can only be produced by the cultivated mind . It may here be proper to signify the sentiment ancl practice of ancient Masons , viz ., that Kings and other male sovereigns , when made Masons , were Grand Masters b

yprerogative , during their life ; and might appoint a deputy or approve of his election , to preside over the Fraternity , with the title and honour of Grand Master . But if the sovereign was a female , or not a brother , or a minor , under a regent , not a brother , or if the male sovereign or the regent , though a brother was negligent of the Craft , then the old grand officers might assemble the Grand Lodee in due form , and elect- a .

Grand Master to be annually i-echosen while it was mutually agreeable . Accordingly , when the Grand Master , Sackville , declined , Francis Russell , Earl of Bedford , was chosen in the north , and Sir Thomas Gresham in the south . The latter brother built the first Eoyal Exchange , at London , A . D . 1570 . Next , Charles Howard , Lord-of Effingham , was ^ Graud Master m the south till 1588 ; then George HastingsEarl of Huntingdontill

, , the death of the Queen , when the crowns of England and Scotland were united b y the succession of James VI ., King of Scotland , great grandson of James IV ., who married Margaret , eldest daughter of Henry YII . of England . He was proclaimed at London , James I . King of England , France and Ireland , on the 35 tli March , 1603 . And , according to ancient custom

, became grand master of England , having been previously made a Mason by Claude Hamilton , Lord Paisley . ( To be continued . )

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MASONIC TESTIMONIAL . — "We lave just heard thai a few commercial travellers and Other gentlemen latel y assembled at Bristol , admirers of , and old past fellow-workers with , Br . Kibbans , of Carmarthen , have subscribed for the purpose of presenting- him with some token of their admiration of his career in the cause of universal benevolence . The last Masonic act of our late worthy Br . Shibbing was , to ascertain what toi-m Br . Ribbans would be best leased to receive this token of and

p respect ; we are now informed , and with pleasure report , that tlie sum collected , and now in hand , is to be given in equal portions to twelve poor Masons' widows at tin ' s inclement season . UNITED MASONIC BALL . —This re-union came off at the Freemasons Tavern , on the evening of the 29 th of January , and was attended by nearly 300 ladies and gentle-Men , principall y consisting of the brethren , with their wives and daughters . Br . irampton officiated -with his usual courtesy as Master of the Ceremonies , and tlie dancing kept until advanced

was up an hour in the morning , under the inspiriting influence of a most excellent band conducted by Br . T . A . Adams , in propria persona . Ihe whole of the arrangements reflected . " the greatest credit on the Stewards , and the supper , wmes , and other refreshments ( of which there was an unlimited supply ) evinced how well Brs . Watson , Coggin , and Banks , understand the art of catering for the gratification of their friends and patrons . In the words of the song , it was " reallv a very pleasant ball / ' *