"Ex Dono Tym: Wads Worth De Breerley Gener: An: Dni 1685."

From 1612 , successive generations in Thornton , and the attached townships , had been buried in the chapel and the small grave-yard attached to it , with a result in the discomfort of tho congregation , and tho damp and nnhealthiness of the chapel ,

which may be imagined rather than described . But when Thornton hail and the demesne lands were sold from the Manor , and were bought in 1858 . by John Foster , Esq ., of Queensbury , he lost little time in adding to the grave-yard of his

ancestors , somewhat less than an acre of ground , which was consecrated in November 1861 . And this considerate generosity he has now seconded by the gift of half an acre of valuable land for the site of the new Church on the upper side of the highway above the grave yard .

Notes On American Freemasonry.

NOTES ON AMERICAN FREEMASONRY .

The following' extracts are taken from the report of the committee on Foreign correspondence of the Grand Lodge of Pennslyvania : — ALABAMA . The address of the Grand Master commences

with an eloquent eulogy upon the order , and then submits , for the " consideration for the Grand Lodge , such subjects of importance as are necessary for action . " He says : " And first of all , the great consideration and

necessity of the age , is the reaving , educating , and maintenance of the orphans of deceased Masons , and the indigent members of the order , and we would include the orphans of Confederate soldiers . " He then recommends the establishment of an Orphans' Home , and says : "As a means of commencement , I would suggest that all the surplus

funds now in the treasury , and all which may hereafter accrue , be set apart for this purpose ; also , that tho lodges be directed to charge one dollar additional for each of the Degrees , to be sent up annually with their returns ; said sums to be

applied to the Home ; also , that the lodges be required to make out a list of all unaffiliated Masons in their jurisdiction , which list must be sent up annaliy with their returns , and that said lodges require said unaffiliated Masons to pay into their

treasury the amount of dues that the members pay , under pain of suspension ; and that this sum be also applied to the Home . As a kindred measure I would znosfc earnestly recommend , that the

Grand Lodge sanction the establishment of a Masonic Mutual Life Insurance Company upon a just and equitable system . * "I would recommend that the Grand Lodge take action relative to the clothing suitable

for the three degrees , and forbid the motley appearance so often seen on festival occasions ; and that our ancient laws relative to the appearance of Masons in public , on festival days , be strictly observed , and that permission be first had of the

Grand Master for such public display . " Among the decisions are the following : —¦ " The statement of a brother , that he objects to the ballotting upon a brother ' s application for affiliation during his absence , as he is not on good terms with him , is a bar to his election . " " A Mason is not deprived of any civil right as

a member of the Order , and that he can take the benefit of the Bankrupt Act . The requirements of Masonry do not conflict with the laws of the land . A Mason must be true to his word , if able to comply ; if fraud be shown he must be expelled . "

" A Past Master , who has never received the Past Master's degree , can install the officers of a lodge , a Chapter Past Master not being recognized . " The minutes must always be read before closing for correction aud approval , and read at

the next stated communication for reference only . A Communication cannot alter or amend the proceedings of a former one . Each Communication is the only proper judge of its own records , and no other Communication can alter or amend them . "

" Fines for non-attendauce are unmasonic , and that the Master should not enforce any measure that is unconstitutional . "

" The loss of an arm , hand , thumb , leg or foot , bars from initiation , passing , or raising , although all t hese members be supplied artificially . "''' "A profane is not necessarily compelled to petition the lodge nearest his residence for

initiation . " " A case has been referred to the committee on Masonic J urisprudence as follows : A Mason in good standing , signifies in writing to the lodge of which he is a member , his desire to renounce

Masonry ; what plan shall the lodge pursue to enable him to do this , and will a dimit answer ? A Mason voluntarily assumes the Masonic vows .