Masonic Notes And Queries.

at foreign courts , have evinced his wisdom andpatriotism . Were it necessary to produce an instance of one who united a Warren ' s bravery , and a Franklin ' s wisdom , the Lodge of Virginia can boast of .. MH ., * who needs not be named . God , in His mercy , gave him to this land—to defend it in war , to govern it in peace . " Having thus examined what Masonry is , we find it

to be a chosen assemblage of worthy persons , united for the most philanthropic purposes , and cannot but conclude , as I bave advanced in the beginning of this discourse , that it is the most ancient and most useful of all sublunary institutions . May we not conjecture , from its present flourishing state , that it will be the most lasting ? It bids fair ' to endure till time shall be no more . '

" But in vain is an institution holy , if the members bo profane . Let not the foregoing observations produce in us a sterile admiration ; but let them stimulate us to be operative , as we are speculative Masons . Let the apprentices cherish the practice of the lessons they receive . Let an heroic fortitude distinguish the Craftsmen . May those who have presumed to make further advancements

, endeavour to attain that degree of perfection , of which human nature is capable . So tbat , when our works shall be examined by our Supreme Master , the Architect of all Worlds , the square of bis probation fitting easy thereupon , we may receive that reward which this world giveth not . "—From the American Museum , 1790 .

Significant Description of Freemasonry . Mr . Arnold , in his Dutch Dictionary , under the word "Freemasonry , " says , that it is " a Moral Order , instituted by virtuous men , with the praiseworthy design of recalling to our remembrance the most sublime truths , in the midst of the most innocent and sociable pleasures , founded on liberality , brotherly love , and charity . "

A Prayer at Initiation . Glorious Architect of Heaven and earth , we beseech Thee to bless our present undertaking , and to grant that this our friend may become a faithful brother , and that he , and all of us may live as men , duly considering the important ends for which Thy goodness has created us . Give us , 0 God , wisdom lo contrive in all our doings , —

strength to support us under all difficulties , and beauty to adorn those heavenly mansion where Thy honour dwelleth : and grant that we may be firmly united with brotherly love , and in all dealings with the world may do justice to all men , love mercy , and walk humbly with Thee our God , and that at last au entrance may be administered unto us into the lodge of perfect happiness , 0 great Jehovah . Amen .

Address to Freemasons . lo stretch forth your hands to assist a brother whenever it is in your power—to be always ready to go any where to serve him—to offer up your warmest petitions for his welfare—to open your breasts and hearts to him —to assist him with your best council and advice—to soothe the anguish of his soul , and betray no confidence

be reposes in you—to support him with your authority —to use your utmost endeavours to prevent him from falling—to relieve his wants as far as you are able , without injuring yourselves or your families—in short , mutually to support and assist each other , and earnestly to promote one another ' s interests , are duties which ( well you know ) are incumbent upon you ? But do these

duties always influence you ? Are they not too often forgotten ?—your worthy brethren too frequently neglected , and the stranger preferred to those of your own household ? ye are connected by solemn promises : Let those always be so remembered as to direct your actions ; for then , and then only , will you preserve " consciences void of offence , and prepare that firm cement of utility and affection , ivhich time will have no power to destroy . The privileges of Masonry bave been made too

common ; they have been bestowed upon the worthless and the wicked , and the reputation of the society has been injured . Good and true men , not immoral or scandalous , but of good report , ought only to be honoured with them ; and every Mason should be particularly careful to recommend none as candidates for our myssteries , but such whose characters will answer this description . "

A HINT POR MUSICAL BRETHREN . [ The Irish are naturally a musical people , and it is in no way surprising that they should cultivate the art as seduously as they do . This spirit has extended itself into the Craft , and as it is desirable a like feeling should be cultivated here ; as a hint for musical brethren to act upon , we cannot do better than print the very excellent

rules and regulations adopted to render part singing more popular in Dublin , believing it only requires a similar institution to make it more welcome in our own lodges . ]

" The Masonic Glee Union . " At a meeting held at the Freemasons' Hall , on the 25 th of November , 1863 , tbe Right Worshipful the Deputy Grand Master in the chair , it was proposed by Bro . Thomas E . Beatty , M . D ., seconded by Bro . Thoma s A . Jones , and resolved : — " ' That it is the opinion of this meeting that the

formation of a Masonic Society for the cultivation of concerted vocal music , would be attended with advantage to the Masonic fraternity . ' " Proposed by Bro . John A . Baker , seconded by Bro . John Rigby : — "' That a committee , consisting of the brethren now presentbe appointed to take the necessary measures for

, the formation of such a society , and to draw up a code of rules for its management ; and that Bro . Samuel B . Oldham be requested to act as Secretary . ' " In accordance with the foregoing resolutions , the committee bave drawn up the following as the proposed rules for the management of the society : —

I . " That the society shall be denominated the ' Masonic Glee Hnion . ' II . " That the object of the society shall be the cultivation of Concerted Vocal Music . in .

" That the meetings of the society shall be held each Saturday from the 1 st of November to the 30 fch of June , commencing each evening at eight o ' clock precisely , and terminating at ten o ' clock .

" That the society shall consist of performing , nonperforming , and honorary members . Professional brethren alone to be eligible for the latter . v . " That the M . W . the Grand Master of the Masonic body in Ireland shall be ex-officio tbe patron of the society

, aud the R . W . the Deputy Grand Master the President . VI . "That the annual subscription of each member , whether performing or non-performing , shall be 10 s ., payable in advance on the 1 st of November in each yearvii .

" That any person wishing to become a member of the society shall be proposed and seconded at an ordinary meeting of the society , and shall be ballotted for on that day fortnight ; one black bean in five to exclude . Na ballot to take place unless at least eleven members be present . Till . " That tbe entire management of the society shall be vested in a committee , consisting of the Patron , President , Conductor , Secretary , and Treasurer , aud five other