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antagonism—although with smaller powers of action and efficiency—to the selfishness of the whole world , there were neither the means , nor the opportunity to provide for the needy and the suffering , as now , —thanks be to the Great .

Architect of the Universe—prevail . But what was done 1 S 00 years ago , at Ephesus , was , as it were , but laying the first stone of " Brotherly love , relief , and truth , " upon which a goodly temple ever since has been growing , " perfect in all its parts ,

and honourable to the builders . " That work is however by no means completed ! Thanks to the indefatigable exertions of several brethren , — some of whom I am only too happy to welcome here to-day—who are at the utmost pains to

promote the best interest of the institution , ancl to increase its usefulness ancl prosperity , no less than twelve thousand pounds were subscribed one night in March last to assist in paying off the outstanding debt for the building , to

effect the completion of the institution so as to render it efficient to the utmost extent possible for the purposes of its erection . In order however to free it wholly from debt to extend its benefits , and to increase the number of boys . to

be educated , from 110 to 150 immediately , which can be done at a very small outlay , it will be necessary to raise between this time and next year , £ 9 , 000 ! For the want of this amount no less than 48 boys must be at the forthcoming election disappointed—the vacancies being only six , whilst the number of candidates is no less than 54 !

I preach to-da }* in order to help towards the liquidation of these claims , and I ask those who hear me—whether they themselves , or their relations , now present or elsewhere , who are connected with the Order—to lend their aid to the utmost of

their ability to assist in so excellent an object . I believe I may say , that if the sum of £ 9 , 000 can be within the next few months realised , not 110 , but 200 boys will be by this time next year admitted into this institution . There is room

enough for that number ; ancl I hope , as I believe , by means of your aid , that I shall find in your contributions to day not the unworthy , hard , and selfish repetition of the inquiry— "Am I my brother ' s keeper ? " but the solemn heartfelt ,

sincere , and unselfish declaration , — "we now , and hereafter will both willingly testify and proclaim that in obedience to the principles of " Brotherly love , relief and truth , " we constitute ourselves , devoid of all selfishness , and actuated by the

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hig hest and noblest principles of social , sincere , and holy worth— " our brother ' s keeper . " " So mote it be ! " [ The collection after the sermon amounted to £ 22 os . 4 d ., and no doubt many brethren who were unable to be present will forward their subscriptions . —ED . F . M . ]

The Mark Degree.

THE MARK DEGREE .

By Bro . FREDERICK BINCKES , Grand Secretary Grand Lodge of Marls Masters . I regret I have not had the opportunity of noticing earlier , the remarks of " Reitam , " in his previous article wherein he " takes

exception" to my reply to his original statement . In answer thereto I repeat my assertion , that the Grand Lodge of Mark Masters holds a , position with regard to the United Grand Lodge of England , precisely analagous to that of the Grand

Conclave of K . T ., and of the Supreme Grand Council 33 ° , i . e ., it is a legitimately organised governing body of a degree not recognised by the United Grand Lodge of England . The fact of the recognition of the two first-named bodies by

bodies exercising jurisdiction over similar degrees in other countries in no way affects this status quoad , the United Grand Lodge . " Reitam " is also in error as regards the sanction to the wearing of jewels . I presume a foreign brotherentering an English lodge would be permitted to

wear , without challenge , the jewel of any degree worked under the jurisdiction to which he belongs , but a member of an English lodge going - abroad and taking a degree not recognised by the United Grand Lodge , would not be permitted to wear the

jewel of such degi-ee on his re-entering his lodge here , even though he had obtained it iu " a country with which she ( U . G . L . ) is in communion . " Again , it is admitted that this Grand Lodge is

not iu communication with any Grand Lodge or Grand Chapter in the world , but this in no way affects the legitimacy of its organisation , for which we contend , whether recognised or unrecognised . Recognition would not have "the

effect of creating a new organisation , " inasmuch as its organisation is now thirteen years old , ancl exists de facto . Why that organisation is to be . considered " anomalous" because of the bare possibility of the United Grand Lodge " at some , future time acknowledging the Mark de ° ree , " I am at a loss to understand . If it be so , equally