Bro. HARRIS's New Tracing Boards. R. Spencer. London. We are glad to make known to the Craft the probable appearance of these Illustrations of the Three Craft Degrees of Freemasonry. We apprehended, from the length of time that has elapsed since Bro. Harris put forth his prospectus of their publication, that he had given up the task. The delay has been caused by a long and painful illness. We have seen the boards for the First and Second Degrees, and can state that there is a very great improvement upon his former designs, which have been before the masonic world for nearly thirty years, and which were sanctioned by our late illustrious Grand Master, the Duke of Sussex, to whom they were dedicated by special permission. In reference to the improvements, we shall first call the attention of our brethren, particularly Masters of Lodges, and Lodges of Instruction, to the size, being about 18 by 9 inches, which has enabled Bro. Harris to give to each emblem such increase in size (compared with his first editions) as will enable Masters of Lodges, or any brother, describing them, to point out each figure, and point with ease, even when placed on the floor of a lodge, thus greatly increasing the advantages to lodges not in possession of the larger tracing boards. The three Great Pillars (the one in the foreground being near 12 inches in height, with their bases, entablatures, &c., are drawn with architectural accuracy, are surmounted with the statues of the Kings Solomon, Hiram, and Hiram the Builder, and are emblematical of Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty. The next introduction is that of the figures of Faith, Hope, and Charity, with angels ascending and descending in the Vision of Jacob's Ladder. The perfect ashler or cube stone is represented suspended by tackle within a triangle of poles, accompanied with a crab engine or windlass, thus carrying out the general method used in laying the first or foundation-stones of buildings, &c. The rough ashler has the working tools of the entered apprentice; the tressel-board on the pavement has the plan of the temple, &c. There is a great alteration in the second tracing-board, Bro. Harris having given greater consistency to it, dividing the same into two views-one, the approach to the middle chamber; the other, to the temple itself. The former is a repetition of his original design, much enriched in decoration, &c., but omitting the two great pillars at the entrance. In the second Illustration, he has given a grand view of the entrance-porch, with the two pillars, and the court of the temple, with its altar of incense, and the ten candlesticks, of seven branches each; and terminating with the veil before the Holy of Holies, forming altogether a most beautiful and elaborate plate. The ornaments and details being clear and distinct, particularly as to the two spheres. The plate has been drawn to a scale of measurement as given in Holy Writ; and by the introduction of the figures in the foreground (viz., King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, and Hiram the builder, and priests in the Court), gives an idea of the magnitude of the building. On the whole, this illustration for the Second Degree is well calculated for description, and will greatly assist the Mason in the course of the lectures of this degree. The third, or M. M. board, we have not as yet seen, but understand it will be carried out with the same degree of improvement and perspicuity in detail as has been done in the two now finished. We hope, on the completion of the set, that Bro. Harris will meet with encouragement from the Craft at large for his painstaking and industry in the production of these very splendid designs of the Three Degrees of Craft Freemasonry. Hughes' System of embossed Writing for the Blind. Some time since we noticed this important invention, by one of the sightless, in aid of his fellow sufferers. As a brief description cannot do justice to the invention, we shall merely observe that the combinations may be very readily understood, and when acquired the learner will be introduced to a stenographic system of singular power. A visit to the establishment for the blind, 14, Great Portland-street, Cavendishsquare, will repay the trouble of investigation. Christian Loyalty. A Sermon. E. and G. H. Croydon. Teignmouth. In God's words princes must learn how to obey God and govern men, in God's word subjects must learn obedience both to God and their princes. Homily against Wilful Rebellion. The title page of this discourse bears the above very apposite quotation, and we are somewhat gratified to observe that the author, the Rev. John Travers Robinson, Rector of Saint Andrew, Holborn, is not only fearless denunciative in his views, but has on due consideration doubtless reflected that all merciful Providence is even more merciful than just or he would not have selected his text from the 21st verse of the 22nd chapter of Saint Matthew. The principle of obedience is fairly examined and explained, and the christian family will find much to claim their attention in a perusal of the sermon. The publication is undated, nor is any intimation given when or where the sermon was preached. The Status of the Jews in England. By Charles Egan, Esq., of the Middle Temple, Barrister-at-law. Hastings, Carey-street. We have to regret that the very late arrival of this interesting and important exposition, will prevent that careful analysis it so justly merits. To say that we have perused it with satisfaction would be to dismiss it with faint praise. It deserves to be studied. To give even a hurried notice is scarcely in our power. The learned author will kindly overlook the cursory manner in which we glance at his valuable labours. It may be remembered, that on the election of Baron de Rothschild as M. P. for London, when a petition was threatened against his return, Bro. Egan gave an opinion that the return was valid-that there was no law against Jews, native-born subjects, being elected to parliament. This was admitted in both houses, subsequent to the expression of that opinion. The formal words at the conclusion of the oath of abjuration, on the true faith of a Christian," might, the author affirms, with propriety be omitted, in administering the oath to a Jew. In the "Status," the author offers good grounds for this opinion. The work ranges, in its examination, from the time of the Normans to the present day. History, general and legal, has been studied, and the British subject, the British Jew in particular, will thank the author for his examination into a leading question of such paramount importance. Defects in the practice of Life Assurance. W. S. Orr & Co. This brochure has reached us too late for critical notice. Most of the suggestions for the remedy of defects appear to be practicable. The uses and advantages of Life Assurances are dwelt on, and the observations on the constitution of offices are indisputably worthy of attention. Still we think the word of promise, however well meant, can hardly be kept, as in a case where the assured may have died in Sierra Leone, for example, without having given notice-is such a policy payable? TO CORRESPONDENTS. The Public, and especially our Advertizing Friends, are cautioned against the man named GREEN. We are requested to state that Dr. Crucefix has altogether retired from London. His address is Grove, Gravesend, Kent; where all communications should be addressed that are intended for his personal observation-indeed, letters for the Editor, under cover to him, will more immediately reach their destination. It is most earnestly entreated that, wherever possible, all communications may be written only on one side of the paper; also that all German and other foreign words may be most legibly written. We are requested by Dr. Crucefix, who is preparing for the Press an account of Popular Events in English Freemasonry, to be favoured by any Masonic Papers; more especially as relating to York and Athol Masonry-the trials of Preston, Whitney, Bonner, and others. His own escapade is complete. Furthermore-Dr. Crucefix desires us respectfully to intimate, that as in a great many instances he has not kept copies of his own correspondence with numerous esteemed brethren, he will consider it a lasting obligation if brethren, possessing any letters written by him on important subjects, will grant him the loan of such letters, which will serve to refresh his memory; such letters of course will be returned, if requested. ERRATUM-Dr. Oliver; page 134, last Number, three lines from end, for 18th century, read 19th century. Bro. LLOYD's communication has been attended to. ENOD-The renewal of correspondence at this particular juncture is doubly welcome, and may perhaps convince the Grand Master that "scorn and contempt" are not in general use. EX QUOVIS LIGNO NON FIT MERCURIUS-the literal translation is the homely proverb of the silken purse and the The S. G. D. thinks he can cap Latin-he can pull caps much better. ANTI-HUMBUG.-None but a purpled noodle would he guilty of crying out "Humbug" when a member is addressing Grand Lodge; the coward would "hiss" if he dared to incur the penalty of expulsion, so" Humbug" saves him. Bro. PULMAN.-We are obliged by the complimentary presentation. Bro. BURGH-the like. Bro. O. PHIPPS-the like. Bro. JAMES SMITH.-Our thanks are tendered for a poetical contribution, and for very kind suggestions. Bro. CHARLES EGAN.-We have just received a copy of his work on the "Legal Statistics of the Jews in England, from the time of the Normans to the present period." C. H. W.-There is this difference between the ambition of "officiousness" and that of "immortality," the one is offensive the other intrusive, the one can plead no excuse, the other, when his corns are unprotected by Hall's pannus-corium and gutta-percha, are so painfully acute as to cause such visible expression as disarms resentment. If Officiousness" is in possession of documents that will prove the editorship of the F. Q. R., he may use his information so that the narrow guage of his purple may be harlequinaded into the broad gauge -i. e. provided there be any lack of officiousness on the dais. AN AGED MASON.-Thanks for the papers, particularly those relating to the Masonic Benefit Society in 1802. PHILO. The communication is a curiosity. Bro. G. was asked who is the best tempered and the most charitable brother as to widows (not in almsgiving)-he incontinently named Bro. H. Well Bro. H. was solicited to nominate the most unpretending, modest, nobleminded, masonic Crichton of the day-who but Bro. G. was the immediate rejoinder. Yet, stranger still, both these worthies being asked what masonic province is considered the beau ideal of the Order, simultaneously exclaimed "Sumatra!" "Sumatra!" Bro. Lewis, who was present, was overwhelmed with gratitude; and Bro. Scarborough, albeit unused to the melting mood, could scarce restrain from tears, so heartily did he enjoy the fun. HAFIZ. We have complied, and resumed "Collectanea." Bro. CHILCOTT.-The letter did not reach us until after the publication of our last. DISCIPLINE AND PRACTICE. A PROV. MASTER.-In the case of a Warden of ten months' standing being elected and installed W. M., there being no other person qualified to take the chair, can such Master be unseated by the provincial authority, or should the lodge be fined or admonished if any blame accrue, the D. P. G. M. being the acting Master, and considering his act as official and in the light of a dispensation? No dispensation can legalize what is contrary to law; the D.P.G.M. should continue in the chair for two months longer, when the Warden would be duly qualified; all parties would be liable to masonic penalties, although the Warden so elected and installed would of necessity be the W. M. of the lodge. Secondly. If such W. M., on complaint being made, is unseated, there being no other person to transact the business of the lodge, can a dispensation be granted by the G. M. to enable the lodge to elect such brother, although he may not have completed his Wardenship? We are of opinion that such a dispensation is not in the province even of the Grand Master. The fountain-head should be pure, or the stream can hardly prove so. Thirdly. If thoroughly disqualified and there is no remedy (even at the risk of breaking up the lodge) is the W. M. thus installed disqualified from attending a board of Masters or wearing the proper badge-and are the Wardens and other officers appointed by him also disqualified? This last question is more difficult to answer, as we know no precedent. It would seem that all would go smooth provided no complaint were lodged, in which case the appointments would of course all stand. The sentence of the Board of General Purposes would possibly be a suspension for a certain time of the lodge itself, consequently no member of the lodge could visit any masonic meeting; this we think must be the case if all parties are aware of the contemplated act; if however the case be ex post facto, the sentence may be confined to censure and admonition, as after all the offence would be more legal than moral, and would be dealt with leniently. ORDO is right in the main; but why not have hinted gently at the time at the oversight of the D. G. M. in assuming on the 6th instant the throne of the Grand Master? A JERSEY BROTHER.-If the party has actually served the offices of Warden and Master in an Irish lodge, and then joins an English lodge, he is eligible for election as W. M. thereof, provided the by-laws of the lodge do not interdict. J. T. D.-A Prov. Grand Master should not exercise any actual duties in the province previous to his installation. If however he be a Past Master, and be requested by the Master to preside over the lodge, he may in that capacity and on such request do so. A Master of a lodge under the registry of England may allow Past Masters of other registries to be present at the installation of a Master-elect, on proper proof being given or the parties duly vouched for. HONESTY justly complains that a lodge cannot expel a brother for having betrayed his trust as a public officer, and thereby brought scandal on the Craft-he has also forged and absconded; it is further understood that the delinquent avails himself of his lodge certificate in a foreign country. Honesty enquires what remedy is there. Answer-If there be unquestionable proofs of his having robbed, forged, and absconded, the lodge should forthwith meet and exclude him-notice being previously given in the summons of such intention, and a copy of the summons left at the last known residence of the delinquent; further notice should be given on the confirmation of the exclusion. Lastly, let copies of these minutes and notices be sent to the Board of General Purposes, with a request that measures be taken for the expulsion of the delinquent from the Order. CLERICUS. It is true that the Grand Chaplains of late years have generally confined themselves to the duties of their ministerial office; still a Grand Chaplain may rise to order if he thinks fit so to do. We opine, however, that the appeals to the throne of grace at the commencement and conclusion of the ritual would be compromised by the Grand Chaplain taking any active part in the debates. A MASTER. If a Senior Warden, duly appointed, is compelled after a few months to leave the lodge, owing to private business, it does not follow that the Junior Warden becomes the Senior (although it would be better that he should be so appointed), his qualification for the office being the completion of actual Wardenship for twelve months, which qualification is not endangered by the appointment, ad interim, of a S. W. for the remainder of the term The office of Warden, Senior or Junior, is equal in rank, and both being qualified by equal period of service. The J. W. cannot claim the senior chair, however vacated. Under the circumstances the J. W. would be eligible for election as W. M., whereas the S. W., ad interim, would not. SUPREME GRAND COUNCIL 33RD. GENERAL CAVAIGNAC.-We have understood that this distinguished Mason is a member of the Supreme Council Rite Eccossais, Paris. THE ASYLUM. The arrangements for laying the Foundation Stone are as yet incomplete. THE FREEMASONS' QUARTERLY REVIEW, AND GENERAL ASSURANCE ADVOCATE. SECOND SERIES-DECEMBER 30, 1848. "Justinian declares that he acts contrary to the law who, confining himself to the letter, acts contrary to the spirit and intent of it."-H. R. H. the DUKE OF SUSSEX, April 21, 1812, House of Lords. NOMINATION OF THE GRAND MASTER. NOTWITHSTANDING the contre-tems caused by the unseemly haste of Bro. Gibbins, the Right Hon. the Earl of Zetland was by him put in nomination as Grand Master for the ensuing year; and there being no other name presented, his lordship will, as a matter of course, be re-elected in March. THE GRAND LODGE AND THE DEPUTY GRAND MASTER. The business of the last Grand Lodge was a curiosity-shop in its way; but it had one great redeeming quality in the tact and urbanity of the Deputy Grand Master. The Earl of Yarborough reminded us of the late lamented Earl of Durham by the justice of his remarks, never obtruded, but when called for given with kindness and effect. Every member had his fair chance of addressing the Grand Lodge, and at no time did the Deputy Grand Master interpose his prerogative. Much time was absorbed, but the demeanour of the presiding officer was vigilant, temperate, and kind. We thought he looked reprovingly at the interruptions of those by whom he was surrounded, whose officious cries of "Question, question," and "Oh, oh," as the speaker below bar did not suit their temper, while the incautious vociferations of "Hear, hear," whenever any of their own body were addressing the assembly, were certainly not in the good taste of gentlemanly character. The great charm of debate is argument conducted with courtesy, 3 B VOL. VI. |