Fenianism And Freemasonry.

foundations the Church , " and so forth . I feel assured that all rig ht-thinking men must declare that an error has been made by some one . The regulations and laws of Freemasonry , instead of endeavouring to upset the Church and princedoms , are calculated to uphold these things . It will be evident to all those who carefully and dispassionately peruse what I have written that there

cannot be anything in connection with Freemasonry which is likely to leadsmen astray . As I have said before , it , like the Church , endeavours to teach , and points out the way to everlasting life , but the precepts and examples of those in high office in Freemasonry , as in churches and chapels of all denominations , have , up to the present , failed to keep all in the right path . I believe ,

from my heart , that Freemasons have themselves to thank for much which has been brought against them , owing to their studied reticence . Let them be more communicative , and prove to those at war with them that there was nothing but what was good , if well understood , in reference to Freemasonry . If Catholic clergymen would join the Craft , the will learn the truth of

what I have written , and it would effectually remove the obstacles which they seem to think are in the way of Catholic Freemasons . Apologising for the length of this letter , allow mo to remain , Your humble servant , R . H . DYER . Tipperary , Nov . 25 , 1869 .

Two Hours At A Chapter Of Instruction In Royal Arch Masonry.

TWO HOURS AT A CHAPTER OF INSTRUCTION IN ROYAL ARCH MASONRY .

Many of our readers and particularly those who are Royal Arch Masons , most likely are not aware that there is a " Chapter of Instruction , " held every Saturday evening at "The Union Tavern , " Air-street , Golden-square ; under the preceptorship of Comp . James Brett . On Saturday evening last , at 8 o ' clock tho Chapter of Instruction was opened . Comps . Mann , as Z . ; Merick as H . ; Smith as J . ; and Brett as P . S . Amongst the companions present we noticed : —Comps . J . Boydthe M . E . Z . of

, the new Chapter , 145 , G . States , G . Wood , and others . The ceremony of exaltation was duly gone through in a most impressive manner , and a vast amount of credit is due to the preceptor for the admirable ancl truly Masouic way in which he has taught those companions to follow the same . We then bad a truly Masonic treat in hearing Comp . J . Brett lecture upon tbe 12 staves and banners , his explanation of that portion of the history of Royal Arch Masonry was given in the most perfect

and impressive manner . Afterwards three sections of the first lecture were worked by the companions present . Before the chapter closed , a letter of condolence to the family of the late Mrs . Adams , the widow of tbe late Bro . J . Adams ( who during her life was so highly respected and esteemed by all those who liad the good fortune

to be acquainted with that amiable woman ) , prepared by Comp . Boyd , was submitted to the chapter for approval , which * . ve need not say it received , and a copy of which we here print . It runs as follows;—" Dear Sir , —The members of the chapter who have for many years past held their meetings on Saturday evenings , at the house of the late Mrs . Adams , have desired me to inform you ( on their behalf ) that at their last meeting a vote of condolence

with yourself , and all the family , on your recent bereavement , was carried unanimously , ancl ordered to be entered on the minutes of the chapter . "It devolves on me now , therefore , in the name of each and all of the members , to express their sense of tbe great loss you yourself , and tbe rest of tbe family have sustained through the lamented decease of the late Mrs . Adams , who had , by her

kindness and estimable qualities , endeared herself to all who had the good fortune to possess ber friendship or acquaintance . I beg you to accept this acknowledgment of tbe affectionate esteem in which her memory is held by the members , and to receive their best wishes that Time , the great consoler , may mitigate the grief felt at her loss , while it will never lessen the sense of her goodness . " Believe me , yours sincerely , "( Signed ) ' ionx BOYD . "

Two Hours At A Chapter Of Instruction In Royal Arch Masonry.

The said letter was duly delivered to the family by Comp G . States the same evening . After what we have said of this Chapter of Distinction , we should advise all brethren who have been exalted to this high degree , and aspire to office in a chapter , to place themselves under the guidance and able preceptorship of Comp . Brett , and they will not regret the small fees payable at each night ' s attendance , which are entirely devoted to the Masonic charities .

Poetry.

Poetry .

WHAT BETTER THEME THAN MASONRY ? Words by Bro . JAMES STEVENS , P . M . 720 , S . W . 1 , 21 G ; P . Z . 720 , & c . Music by Bro . WIHIELM GANZ , P . M . 435 , Org . 4 , and of British Chapter , 8 . What better themo can claim our lays , And lend its aid to Harmony ; What noblo art shods brighter rays

Than glorious Freemasonry ? What other virtues can compare With those 'twoon " compasses and square " ? For Faith ancl Hope ancl Charity , Brotherly Love and Unity , "With Order , Peace , aud Harmony , Are found in truo Freemasonry . When first to us tho light is shown

That governs true morality Othoi-s' distress wo make our own In natural equality . Our stops aro then taught to ascend The ladder staves that upward tend—Faith , first upou tho mustor roll , Hope , tho sheet-anchor of tho soul , And Charity , that crowns tho whole Foundation of Freemasonry .

When Craftsmen ' s labours wo attend We're taught the hidden mystery , By science led to comprehend The scopo o £ nature's history ; From nature up to nature's God Our minds aro raised above tho sod . And Wisdom comos to shield from barm , Strength hurtful passions to disarm , Whilst Beauty lends a crowning charm To all our works in Masonry .

And next , as Master Masons , Share tho sublimest mystery , And prove how potent then can be Fortitude and Fidelity ; The terrors of the darkest hour Aro lossonod by the Mystic Power . And Virtue ' s portal opens wide Our stops to Honour ' s fane to guide , Whilst Morcy pleads upon our sido , To Him who rules Freemasonry .

Aud whou , our glorious labours o ' er , Wo meet for brief hilarity Amidst our joys , our brethren poor Remembered aro in charity ; Each thankful heart expands to bless ; Each willing hand relief will press ; With Temperance God's gifts wo share ; Prudence extends her watchful care , Aud Justice , symbollod by tho Square . Perfects our works in Masonry .

Scientific Meetings For The Week.

SCIENTIFIC MEETINGS FOR THE WEEK .

Monday , 20 th Dec . —Medical Society , at S . 15 ; lloyal Asiatic Society , at 8 ; London Institution , at-1 ; Society of Arts , at 7 . Tuesday , 21 st Dec—Institution of Civil Engineers , at 8—Annual Meeting ; Statistical Society , at S ; Pathological Society , at 8 ; Ethnological Society , at 8 . Wednesday , 22 nd Dec . —Society of Arts , at 1 ; Geological Society , at 8 . Thursday , 23 rd Dec . —Society of Antiquaries , at 8 . 30 .