Colonial And Foreign.

and spoke of the dissensions in the Scottish Rite at length , attacking the Supreme Council of the Northern jurisdiction and the adherents of Ferdinand S . J . Gorgas as irregular . The principal discussion was the situation in Ohio , where the Grand Lodge arrested the warrants of several Master Mason Lodges under its jurisdiction on account of the affiliation of members with the organisation under Justice Gorman's leadership . It was decided to advise the Ohio people to a policy of tolerance for the return of

fraternal feelings . Eloquent speeches were made by Illustrious John Wilson , of Iowa ; Illustrious Granville A . Franbes , of New York ; Illustrious Willard C . Vanderlip , of Massachusetts ; and Illustrious Frank II . Whitcome , of New Hampshire . An executive session of over two hours was held , and a large number of distinguished Masons were received into the thirty-third degree . The annual election of officers followed .

The following letter , a copy of which has been sent us , will speak foi itself : — Washington , D . C , Oct . 14 , 1889 . James Woodward , Esq ., E . C . De Molay Commandery , No . 12 . DEAR SIR AND COMPANION , —I take pleasure in mailing you , under even date , a copy of the Sunday Capital , the Masonic department of which I have in my charge . The magnificent gathering of Knights Templar within our

city ' s gates during the past week has to me been pregnant with many valuable lessons , from which sentiments of veneration and esteem for the whole Order have germinated ; but in every feature of the grand display the episode to which I have in an unworthy manner alluded in my column created in inymind more enthusiasm , respect , and regard than the amalgamation of all the other events could have aroused . The twenty-fourth triennial conclave of Knights Templar will go down in the history ot the Order as the greatest event the Masonic world ever witnessed . Our beautiful city was for the nonce

transformed into a magnificent tilting yard for knightly display and hospitality . Commanderies from every sectii 11 of the country established their headquarters , touched with the lance of rourtcsy the thick ! of their neighbors , cast the gauntlet of generosity into the arena of < nterlainment , and engaged in

the melee of knightly gaiety . It remained for the representatives of the Bluegrass State to remind us , in all this magniff ent display , on the principal tenet of the Masonic system . It remained for them to unfurl , amidst the purple , gold , and scarlet emblems of authority , honor , and wealth , the white guidon of brotherly charity . It shone amidst the other standards with a iteaven-born effulgence . Its beautiful radiance penetrated our hearts , and awoke new emotions . It carried us back to the beloved old blue Lodge , and made us feel the sacred lessons the grand old Ritual teaches . My brother , the

hour-glass of our lives will ere long be turned by the hand of Father Time , anel the sands of our existence will be merged in the fertile fields of a glorious immorttlity . But , my brother , let us hope that there is yet time enough to erect a lasting monument that will live and grow with our order , which can never die . From jour influential jurisdiction let the enthusiasm come , as the example has been already set , and let no effort be ceased until within every jurisdiction of our great country a Masonic lefuge for the orphaned children of our biethren has been established . Then will the whole Masonic world echo the sentiments of the humble brother who addresses you : Goel bless the brethren of Kentucky and their warm , charitable Southern hearts . — Fraternally , W . HAMILTON SMITH .

Gathered Chips.

Gathered Chips .

In the early ages of the world men formed themselves into religious associations , whose cert monies were conducted in secret , whose doctrines were only known to the initiated , and whose members were in possession of signs and tokens by which they could recognise each other , and which were called " mysteries . " There are two theories regarding their connection with Freemasonry . The one traces the origin of both to the worship established by Jehovahand the other finds the connection commencing at the building of

, Solomon ' s Temple . In the infancy of the world poetry reigned in the human heart , and expressed itself in hieroglyphics . A careful inves'igation of Jewish history will show that symbolical machinery was engrafted into their system of both worship and teaching , and was carried into their public and private vocations . Hence the beauty that is found in Jewish and Masonic symbolism —for from strength emerges beauty , which is harmony , and this cannot be

without strength . It was thus the Great Architect built the Universe . The dewdrop , the Alpine height , ( lie rose-leaf , the snow-flake have all touches of beauty , and so parallel are the lines of mathematics and the laws of beauty that while Masonry inculcates the principles of natural science , it presents the beautiful lessons of a moral science that impart wisdom , strength , and beauty to individual character . Money

spent for adornment is not a waste , If the homes of our land were more attractive there would be less drunkenness and fewer divorces . That these teachings are full of mystery I do not deny , but they arc full of wisdom . Into every rational thought there enters an incomprehensible element . The universe is full of mystery . Man ' s being is my sleiious , so are the fixed stars and the creeping ivy . Therefore , when we see the symbols of Masonry—the

cube , the square , the circle , the triangle- representatives of eternity , science , power , perfection , equality , thete is a mysteriousr ess about it all that awakens emotions almost uncontrollable . What are its sjmbols but the hiding of truth ? God stores away great and mighty truths . But the attractions of Masonry do not consist merely in its antiquity , beauty , mystery , and symbolism , but in the wisdom imparted by the doctrines and duties it inculcates . Primarily it requires belief in the existence of God . No Atheist can become

Gathered Chips.

a Mason . It has been well said : "Ignorant of a Great First Cause and the noble destiny of the soul , he will not be brought under the rules and moral science or the principles of eternal truth . In a state of darkness the Great Spirit will never more open the gloomy depths of his soul , for while he has no faith in God he cannot be brought to Light . " The first light of Masonry is the Bible , the source of light . There is not a Degree conferred in a regular Lodge which docs not direct to it . It evi r

lies open upon our altar , and without it 110 one can ever penetrate the depths of its philosophy , or bring forth truths from beneath its lofty arches . The truths of ihe Bible , like stars above street lamps , shine over all other tcachirg . In these days , when the most polished blade of criticism and the heaviest artillery of infidelity are brought to bear upon it , we are called upon more loudly than ever to maintain its authority . The immense infusion of a foreign

population , the teaching of anarchism and kindred errors are the dangers of the State , and we , as custodians of truth , justice , and patriotism , must guard well every avenue of approach to the sacred temple of American liberty . The tie of brotherhood is a mighty power , a chain of affection inspiring with a courage that defies danger and triumphs over every foe . Who can fail to admire the brotherhood of the Crusaders , or the dauntless courage of Godfrey

de Bouillon ? How sublimely ' grand was St . Paul as he wrote , " I could wish myself accursed from Christ for my brethren . " From this spirit springs the Charity that relieves , not as a duty to a pauper , but as a brotherly privilege . Masonry is the guardian of womanly virtue , and , in league with Christian civilisation , elevates her . The destitute widow and the helpless orphan it aids in the bearing of burdens . A true Mason is a lover of truth . The institution of Masonry has been assailed , but it still stands , uttering its teachings to thousands , who delight lo hear and obey . —Editor of Keystone .

# * * The beautiful ceremony prescribed to be used at the consecration of every new Lodge includes , as a prominent feature , an oration on the merits of Freemasonry . We should be doing the wisdom of our ancient brethren who devised this ceremony a great injustice if we supposed that this was meant to be confined to an eulogium on the system , or on those who profess it . The former

is unnecessary ; for the science of Freemasonry speaks for itself ; neither would the latter be congenial to its spirit , for the practice of Freemasonry carries with it its own reward to those who practise it aright , and they value not the praise or flattery of men . The purpose of an oration has a higher and nobler aim ; it is contended lo carry the mind back to the first principles of the Fiaternity , through the quicksands which beset its course , to clear away the

rocks and shoals which time has accumulated , until we reach the clear pellucid fountain from which flow the pure and crystal waters of Charity , Morality , and Justice . It is intended to enforce on the brethren of every new Lodge that they are to labor with ourselves to keep the broad channel clear from all impediments or pollution ; that they are to guard its landmarks with jealous care , and to extend its principles with unflagging , self-denying zeal . Such is ,

I believe , the object of this prescribed oration , and I could only wish that I had the power of language to enforce the importance of exercising this care and jealously , upon those who now stand before me . I pray them to remember that on them is thrown the responsibility of showing to the Craft at large that the confidence placed in them by their Grand Master has not been misplaced ; that they will not be content with founding another Lodge , but that they will strive and determine to make a daily advance in Masonic knowledge . —lire Metham .

Answers To Correspondents.

Answers to Correspondents .

P . M . { 241 ) . —You are quite correct . " Separabit" is not spelt " sep ^ rabit . " Let us hope it is a mistake on the part of the wood-engraver only . J . L . VlCRNKY ( Stratford ) . —The Secretary was quite within the power of his office . Our opinion further would be worthless , you must let discretion guide you . ' / .. 52 . — Not cue single farthing . Your support is quite as valuable to us as

any other subscriber ' s , and although your suggestion shall have attention we cannot promise more . Your friend has only to order us through Smith's , who will supply him without trouble . If the Blotter you speak of has a worth y reputation the Board of Benevolence will attend to it . F . F . J AMES ( Mile-end ) . —By all means , and we shall be glad . The book is published by John Murray , of Albcmarle-strect , and the price , we think , is

3 s . 6 d . 15 . HKWETSON ( Oxford ) . —No more connection than you have . The contribution which we call a "reprint" is corrected or re-written and paid for . We know him to be a man sound of purpose , who , in our opinion , has been dogged by misfortune during the latter part of his career . It is feasible that he has but few friends in the Craft , but tha ' , perhaps , is owing to the necessary

want of tact « bich is so needful in these times . Your last query should be made to the World ox to ' 1 ruth . We do not float in the region it applies to . FRED . E . LAURENCE . —Yes ; we will read it and pay you for it if we accept it . Send your order to Mr . George Kenning ' , or ( he Belvedere Works , Pentonville . We are not printers . S . W ., E . POTHERGILL , FRANCIS HOOPER , "ZERO , " and all other communicants , have been answered through post .