Correspondence.

pages show so great an amount of hitter feeling and animosity among the brethren , as to render it questionable ivhcther the fraternal bond is so strong as its advocates represent it to be , and thus to invalidate the whole system . It is not my intention to discuss whether such an allegation is just , but merely to state my strong conviction that it is not . Though there are a few discontented spirits who like to display their importance , and to

attract attention to themselves , the amount of kind feeling , of charitable disposition , of Samaritan benei'olence , of christian charity , of brotherly affection , of genuine piety , ivhich is silently but surely engendered , and not less actively promoted , is incalculable , though it do not court the public gaze . Let it be remembered , that the scum ahvays rises to the surface ivith noisy ebullition , and that its easy removal seiwes to purify the mass . Notwithstanding , I am about to bring before you some observations on

a Masonic dispute , which may appear afc variance with what has just been said . Li this case , however , it hrvolves principles ivhich you , aud I , and many others , have long been endeavouring to instil and establish ; namely , the desirability of erecting Masonic temples , and thus of avoiding temptations , and of escaping unfavourable animadversions , to which the general practice of holding our meetings elsewhere renders us liable . It affords an exemplification of what I have said in a former communication—that

promoters of such schemes must expect to meet with obloquy , reproach , and opposition , founded on motives open to grave suspicion , and they will thus be aided in guarding against them . Though" there are six Lodges and two Chapters in Jersey , only one has ever been named by me ; the proceedings of which I have frequently reported . The reason is , that on my arrival here a year ago , I endeavoured to render sendee to one ofthe others , aud at the same time to advance the interests of

Freemasonry generally , by steps Avhich I took at the especial request of its members , involving great labour and much sacrifice of time . That I to a great extent succeeded , is shown b y the kind and fai'ourable review Avhich you gave me in the number of January 5 th . Petty jealousies and misunderstandings arose , however , in consequence * and such misstatements were made in my absence , not only to the brethren of that Lodge , but also to some members of other Lodges , that my position became uncomfortable , and I

was compelled to withdraw from all intercourse with them . I shall not enter on the details ; I have designedly endeavoured to forget them , after having in the first instance committed them to writing , and laid them b y , to be called forth in case of future necessity . The hostile feeling to which I have alluded has not been exhibited , as far as I am aware , by any members of the Lodge La Ccisarcie , and therefore , though not a member , I have availed myself of the kindness of the brethren who belong to it , by

frequently holding intercourse ivith them in the performance of Masonic rites . It may be remarked by some , that your readers ought not to be troubled ivith so personal a matter . The reply is , that wherever attempts are made to erect Masonic halls , the old leaven is sure to rise , and opposition may be expected from some who pertinaciously adhere to tlie system which has so long prevailed . It is right , therefore , that the innovators , as they are called , should be put upon their guard , so as to be prepared for all the

difficulties ivhich they may have to encounter in the pursuit and accomplishment of their laudable projects . A week or two ago , a report was given in your Magazine , which had been presented to Lodge La Cesaree , by a Committee specially appointed to make arrangements for the erection of a Masonic temple in Jersey . About the same time , an initiation took place in this Lodge of a gentleman , who with his wife , has been delighting the inhabitants of the island , by the peri I 2