Monthly Masonic Summery.

Monthly Masonic Summery .

WE have but little to report this month , except the wonderful returns at the Boys ' School Festival , which reached < £ 13 , 400 , and will probably be still increased . It is a gratifying reflexion for Freemasons to remember and to realize , that over , £ 35 , 000 have been raised in 1877 for our three

great metropolitan charities , and it is a fact which reflects the greatest credit on the zeal and liberality of our good old Order . May English Freemasonry thus ever show itself before the world—liberal and large-hearted , true to its own great principles , and alive to its distinct mission . Eschewin g the follies of erratic ,

Freemasons , and avoiding the pitfalls of political or theological discussions , may it evei keep before it its great end and object—a noble and disinterested charity . It is impossible but , as English Freemasons , we must feel some pride in our oxcellent Fraternity . While some

jurisdictions are convulsed with insane controversies , while others are taken up with sterile disputes , we are setting an example to the Masonic world of Unity and discipline , of benevolence and Brotherly love . " So mote it- bo " for the future , as in this

happy and prosperous present . May no divisions creep in amongst us ; may no disputes weaken" our sacred phalanx ; but marching on , under our Royal Grand Master , with "loyalty and charity" inscribed upon our banners , we may continue to command alike the admiration of our

cosmopolitan Brotherhood , and the respect of the world at large ! We have not yet heard the result of the appeal to the French Lodges , but we augur uttle good from the statement that in conse-

Monthly Masonic Summery.

quenee of their participation in the politics of the hour , several of the lodges offending have been " closed by authority . " The Lodge " Orion " de Gaillae , already suspended for disobedience to the Grand Orient , has amused itself , by passing a

resolution , purely political , blaming the Government of the clay . It has been forbidden to assemble , and who can blame the central authority which so punishes disobedience to the laws of the land and the constitutions of

Freemasonry itself ? Just let our Brethren realize the absurdity of an English Masonic Lodge passing a resolution of confidence in this or that Government , this or that political party , and they will see at once the regretable position into which French Freemasonry has been cast by a painful perversity and by an ill-advised agitation !

Yearnings.

YEARNINGS .

BROTHERS , when o ' er my head , The silent dust is spread , And this poor heart its quiverings shall forbear , Where ' er my body stray , Though far the grave away ,

I would , dear brothers , be remembered here ! Brothers , when tender sighs Around me shall arise And speak of what I did , or fain would do , Such honesttruthful words

, , As Mason ' s tongue affords , I would , dear brothers , have rehearsed b y you ! D