WHEN WAS BRO. THE PRINCE OF WALES G.M.? A learned brother, J.A.H., at page 7 of this volume, says, "Long live our Royal Past Grand Master." When was H.R.H. the Prince of Wales M.W.G.M. -in 1867, 1868, 1869, or 1870? and where can he become a P.G.M. until he has been installed as G.M. ? Was he M.W.G.M. before he was initiated, or after? -A NEW MEMBER.

LODGE LIST, 1765.

It consequently becomes a question whether Mark lodges must remain isolated as single lodges, without co-operation and without any provision for uniformity of system, or whether they can join together, as Templars and others have done, to obtain a common administration, as a Grand Chapter, Grand Lodge, Directory, or Grand Conclave.

If this can be in any degree permitted, the organization would be called Grand Lodge, because the units are Lodges, and not Grand Conclave or Grand Chapter.

This list of yours is apparently not very ancient, but it is a list on which the old lodges were only 40 years old, and the main portion of the old lodges not mere than a quarter of a century.

At that time, in 1765, very few lodges had distinctive names, but they were named after the publichouses where they met, if they could be said to have names at all, for it will be seen that several lodges have numbers only.

On No. 1 there is the curious entry :-"Every fourth Wednesday there is a Master's Lodge." This looks as if No. 1 had a specialty for the Master's degree. Here is a chance for our learned brother Hughan. Further," It is also the West India and American Lodge." No doubt it had much to do in spreading Masonry in America and the West Indies. -ANNOTATOR.

THE CONGRESS ON CELESTIAL MYSTERIES.

Devonport is a School of Masonry, including some learned and zealous Masons, but unless they have provided a few men of science to satisfy the outside world, their decision will be considered of little value. They want-among others-astronomers, astrologers, Hebraists, Egyptologists, men familiar with the three kinds of cuneiform inscriptions (the language of one, which is termed Akkad, is not known as yet, unless to Bro. Melville), proficients in symbology, chronologists, &c.-OBSERVER.

As the astrolabe (?) was exposed at Nineveh, and is exposed at the British Museum, what ground can there be for supposing that the scientific explanation of it ought to be kept from the public, merely because the alleged interpreter is a Freemason? This I ask, because as yet all discoveries in the branches of SyroEgyptian science have been freely made known by the Government, the Societies, and by men of science.W.M.

THE MARK DEGREE.-MASONIC JURISPRUDENCE.

The Mark degree exists and has existed in several countries.

It is not under the ban of constituted authority as un-Masonic.

It is permissible to practise it in England, although Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter do not at this moment, but may again, recognise it as a part of the English Craft system.

any more than the Grand Lodge of England, by calling privilege of the Grand Lodge of Scotland. itself a Grand Lodge, invades any jurisdiction or

If a Grand Lodge of Mark Masters elects a G.M., he no more affects the M.W.G.M. of England than does the G.M. of the Templars or the G.M. of anything or anyone else.

comply with the requirements of the time according The spirit of modern Masonic jurisprudence is to

to the dictates of common sense.-MARK.

ROSE CROIX (p. 3).

Some brother will oblige by giving the Latin of the Latin, or the Latin of the English translations of the interesting article on the Rose Croix, by Dnalxo. Natura renovantur integra and lgne Nitrum Roris Novenitur are rather puzzling to one not accustomed to Masonic Latin.-A CONSTANT READER.

YEAR OF LIGHT.

A correspondent in your last number wishes to know why the Year of Light of Masons should differ with the clerical Anno Mundi: and also he desires to be informed when stars were first adopted in Masonry. Without reference to the conflicting opinions of various nations as to the date of Creation, let it suffice that our own clericals do not agree as to whether it took place 4,000 or 4,004 before the birth of the Saviour. The days set forth in Creation are by some interpreted to mean years. The first verse of Genesis records the beginning by the creation of heaven and earth. Light, or the gun, was not brought forth until the fourth day or year, hence the 4,000 and the 4,004. Masons date from the sun; therefore they add 4,000 to Anno Domini, and this year is with them the year of light 5869. The same correspondent wishes Bro. Buchan to tell him when stars were first used in Masonry? By doing so through your Magazine, Bro. Buchan will not only oblige Bro. Nekum but likewise-HENRY MELVILLE.

BRO. MELVILLE AND HIS ASTROLABE.

Assyrian monument an astrolabe, a warming-pan, or Bro. Melville is quite welcome to believe his a chamber-jug, but he must allow others to believe their own eyes. No mysterious intimations will enable anyone to restore sciences which never existed and never were lost.-J.W.M.

CORRESPONDENCE.

The Editor is not responsible for the opinions expressed by Correspondents

FREEMASONRY AND CHRISTIANITY.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE FREEMASONS' MAGAZINE AND MASONIC MIRROR.

Dear Sir and Brother,-Being desirous of becoming acquainted with the relation of Freemasonry to man as man, in the universal and individual sense of the term; and as the quotation in Bro. Dnalxo's letter does not in the smallest degree appear to me to uphold his views with regard to the necessity of having a creed in connexion with Masonry consisting of a belief in the immortality of the soul, and especially the eternal reward or punishment of the same in a future state, I shall be exceedingly obliged to Bro. Dnalxo, or any other brother who will inform me, whether this is all the authority which may be brought forward to support his views? Being a lover of Masonry as a pure Theism" or "system of morality," I beg to remain,

Yours fraternally,

W.Y.P.

BRO. MELVILLE'S DISCOVERIES.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE FREEMASONS' MAGAZINE AND MASONIC MIRROR.

Dear Sir and Brother, It has been kindly suggested by some writer in your Magazine that my discoveries should be examined by Masonic archæologists. I am perfectly willing, indeed most desirous, that the discoveries should be examined by any respectable intelligent Masons; and, consequently, would be glad to have such jurists as the eminent brethren who organized the Archæological Institute; but, constituted as that society now is, it would be impossible for me to expound the mysteries before the members. In my first paper, I stated that, of course no member of the Archæological Society will presume to give publicity to the "part or parts, point or points, mystery or mysteries of the Order." I cannot reveal the knowledge without divulging the parts and points, and therefore the object of the Institute could not be effected-inasmuch as the purport of the society is to hear, read, and discuss papers and communications, and to publish the acquired information in your Magazine and afterwards in "The Transactions of the Masonic Archæological Institute." Had my object been to publish the Masonic know. ledge, I could have done so in Australia; then my visit to England would not have been required, and I should not have encountered the opposition of the grandees of the Order in London.

In Australia I was taught that there formerly were mysteries connected with Masonry which were not to be divulged under no less a penalty than death. In England these mysteries are lost. I believe-nay, I am certain-that I have discovered them; and, as a Mason, I am decidedly of opinion that I should be doing wrong were I to publish them before they have been thoroughly examined and rejected by the Order. The late Dr. Oliver was a good man and a learned Mason, and 20 years back he declared my discoveries to be wonderful. There are men who think highly of Dr. Oliver's Masonic knowledge' and yet these very men, without knowing what my discoveries are, de

nounce me for seeking to bring them under the consideration of the brethren.

According to your last publication, Bros. Bird and Dnalxo bad an interview with me; it was satisfactory to them. As Masons, however, they wisely abstain giving a public judgment on the important subject; of others, and, with true Masonic brotherly feeling, they, therefore, judiciously desire the confirmation are organizing a class in Devonport for the express The decision of the class will benefit mankind. purpose of fully testing the wonderful knowledge. Yours fraternally,

HENRY MELVILLE.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE FREEMASONS' MAGAZINE AND MASONIC MIRROR.

Dear Sir and Brother,-It is with much satisfaction that I see by a letter from " Dnalxo," in your impression of the 26th ult., page 507, that he considers the alleged discoveries of Bro. Melville are worthy of a careful analysis.

It has struck me as very remarkable, that amongst those who have taken a prominent part in this Masonic correspondence, not one appeared anxious calmly to inquire and impartially to judge whether these said discoveries had any foundation, but were content to fire off shots from a distance, and, when challenged to come near and look and learn, some remained silent, and one who had spoken loudest, declined, sheltering himself behind a few miles of railway travelling, showing pretty clearly that a slight than any extra light in Freemasonry could be. This personal inconvenience was more important to him

drives me to think that some of these enthusiastic

brethren are afraid they might find the truth to be a trifle above the standard they work by.

I am not personally acquainted either with Bro. Melville or any of those who have ridiculed his discoveries, but I read his letters in the Magazine, and learn he has devoted a great many years to the matter, and I cannot but arrive at the conclusion that there is an earnestness about Bro. Melville and a desire to benefit Freemasonry; then, I say, by all means let the subject be calmly looked into with an honest desire to arrive at the truth, and not with a preconceived intention to condemn as ridiculous; and after this is done let us all know the result.

If the so-called discoveries are but the imagination of a disordered brain, let them be consigned to the contempt and oblivion they are worthy of; but, if tainly judged and condemned them without trial, there really is truth in them, let those who have cer

learn to be "cautious."

I shall anxiously look for some report of this very interesting test in due course; and, as the meetings are to be held in Devonshire, I hope our illustrious Bro. Huyshe, the G.M. of this province, may be one of those who will attend.

Yours fraternally,

EXCELSIOR.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE FREEMASONS' MAGAZINE AND MASONIC MIRROR,

Dear Sir and Brother,—I have just returned from an Australian voyage, and so been out of the active influence of Freemasonry many months. I have only just now read the Magazines which have accumulated during my absence. Judge of my surprise at finding

Your contributor,

ANON.

THE EARLSWOOD IDIOT ASYLUM.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE FREEMASONS' MAGAZINE AND MASONIC MIRROR.

Dear Sir and Brother,-In perusing the Standard newspaper of Tuesday, the 29th June last, my attention was attracted to an account of the proccedings which had taken place the previous day at the Earlswood Idiot Asylum, near Reigate, H.R.H. the Prince of Wales and H.R.H. the Princess of Wales were present on the occasion of laying the first stone for the extension of the Asylum, of which the foundation stone had been laid by His Royal Highness's father in the year 1853. The Governors and Board of Management of this Institution had prepared a well-written address, which was read to the Prince of Wales, and to which H.R.H. made the following reply:

My Lords and Gentlemen,--I thank you for the kind expressions contained in your address. I cannot but rejoice that my presence should be considered an ercouragement and conducive to the prosperity of an institution that lays claim to our warmest support apart from all other considerations. The fact of my lamented father having taken so active a part in the early formation of the society, known as the Idiot Asylum, would in itself be sufficient to enlist my sympathy and interest in its welfare. The necessity of affording more extensive accommodation, in consequence of the increased number of applicants, is a proof of the success which has followed your first efforts. We must all appreciate the comprehensive principle which regulates, without regard to social or religious distinctions, the admission of all classes of our fellow-creatures suffering under an affliction which reduces them to one common level. Finally, I have to assure you, gentlemen, how sincerely I feel your expressions of devotion and attachment towards the Queen, the Princess of Wales, and the Royal Family. I am persuaded that they, equally with myself, will watch with increasing interest the success of an institution this day enlarged under such hopeful circumstances ""

The answer was received with loud cheers. I

can imagine nothing more praiseworthy than the observations contained in H. R. Highness's reply; for, of all the noble institutions which this country

can boast, there are none that can or ought to awaken our sympathies more than the Earlswood Idiot Asylum. My object in addressing you is that I thought this might meet the eyes of many who have not read it in the daily papers, especially the Craft. an old and experienced Freemason, am well aware that generally the characteristic of a Freemason's heart is "Charity;" and, as there are thousands who range under our banner opulent, and have wealth at our command, and who, when their attention is called to it, will, it is to be hoped, gladly give to help an institution that has already accomplished so much good. The present number of the inmates are nearly 500, and when the new buildings are completed, they will furnish means of receiving about 300 more, making a total of 800. Funds are greatly needed, as the proposed alterations will cost £12,000, and it is to be hoped that those whose attention have been called to the subject, if they have not already contributed, will do so by sending to the Secretary, Mr. William Nicholas, Office, 20, Poultry, London, E.C,, who I am sure will gladly give any information required, and who will, I hope, pardon me for thus making use of his name without his knowledge. Yours fraternally,

A P. PROV. S.G.W.

GRAND LODGE CALENDAR.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE FREEMASONS' MAGAZINE AND MASONIC MIRROR.

Dear Sir and Brother,-Having lately arrived in the metropolis and wishing to attend a lodge meeting, I obtained a Grand Lodge Calendar, and found that the Joppa, No. 188, was marked to meet on Monday last. On applying at the Albion Tavern I was surprised to find that no lodge met that evening nor would the Joppa Lodge meet for some time to come. This, however, is not all; for, on asking a companion, he informed me that the Britannic Chapter, No. 33, would meet on Friday, the 9th inst.; that is not noticed at all in the Calendar. If, then, a stranger can pick out two errors in one week, how many must there be in the entire book? I smart under these blunderings, as being, whilst in this great metropolis, like "an alien and a stranger in a foreign land." Yours fraternally,

A COMPARISON.

C. S.

How justly is man compared with the fair flower of the field, pushing its tender form over the rude surface, and then suddenly crushed, and reduced to nothing! Short is his duration; but how awfully varied are the busy scenes of his life.

The gardener oft with joy beholds the rosebud just bursting into life on its parent stem, with all the gay promise of luxuriant beauty, but when he comes to crop the much-expected flower, to honour some particular and favourite occasion, he finds its leaves strewed on the earth, its freshness and its beauty withered. He wonders at the cause, yet cannot discover it; but still he feels there was a cause, a powerful cause, to bring about an effect so unforseen, so contrary to his expectations. Is it not precisely the same with man? The canker-worm of care and blighted hope too often fatally, though unperceived, gnaws around the heart, destroying the peace within, and gradually preying on the entire frame, till, at last, he falls an easy victim to the chill hand of the universal destroyer. Our passions are like lions, as yet slumbering in their grated prisons, and require our every caution. Yet they will sometimes steal out unperceived; or, froin their seeming gentleness, they are

allowed a little more liberty. We know not their fatal strength,

till, alas! too late; and, perhaps, we have then to lament that which we held most dear on earth.-Exchange. the object which has fallen a prey to their fury is that alone

EXTERIOR OF THE FREEMASONS' HALL, GREAT QUEEN STREET, LINCOLN'S INN FIELDS, W.C.

THE MASONIC MIRROR.

All communications to be addressed to 19, Salisbury-street, Strand, London, W.C.

REDUCTION IN PRICE OF THE

"MAGAZINE."

The price of the MAGAZINE is now reduced to THREEPENCE.

It is now nine years since the quarto series of the MAGAZINE was commenced, and it has ever since continued to be published at sixpence weekly.

For a considerable time past it has been in contemplation to reduce the price of this MAGAZINE; and it is now many months since the intentions of the then proprietor were made known by announcements in the advertising columns that a permanent reduction in price would be made as soon as the necessary arrangements for that purpose could be completed, and a fitting opportunity occurred.

It is now our pleasing duty to announce to our subscribers and friends the promised reduction; and also that various improvements will be introduced into the MAGAZINE itself. In so doing we must of course look to a greatly extended support from the members of the Craft for that reward, which we are assured by a very large circle of friends and supporters, such a step as that about to be taken will be sure to meet with; still it is only by the active and energetic support of our friends that such a venture can be made to succeed-more particularly in the case of a class journal-and by a greatly increased sale to cover the weekly cost of production.

The proposed reduction of the postage rates on newspapers, bas been for some time past looked forward to as affording an opportunity for expecting the reduction in price of the MAGAZINE; and it is believed that long before our next half-yearly volume is completed, the anticipated reduction on the newspaper postage rates will be successfully introduced by the Post Office Authorities. And therefore the commencement of a new volume has, under these circumstances, been considered an appropriate occasion for carrying out the long contemplated and previously announced intention, to reduce the sum of the MAGAZINE to THREEPENCE.

Whilst thanking the numerous subscribers and the zealous friends and supporters of the MAGAZINE for their past aid and labour on our behalf, we trust still to secure their hearty cooperation, so that, by their recommendations and otherwise, amongst the members of the Masonic Order, they may assist us in so expanding the area of its usefulness and by greatlyincreasing the number of its readers, thus give it still greater power and influence as the well-tried organ of the Craft at large.

MASONIC MEMS

UNIVERSAL MASONIC CALENDAR FOR 1869.-A few remaining copies of the second edition are for sale at a reduction of 25 per

cent.

THE opening of the meeting of the British Association this year at Exeter, is fixed for the 18th of August. Professor Stokes, of Cambridge, will occupy the chair.

It has been proposed by some of the Dutch lodges to hold an International meeting of Freemasons during the period of the Netherlands Exhibition. The meeting to take place either at Amsterdam, Rotterdam, or Utrecht, in the month of September next. Further particulars are promised, which we shall publish.

PROVINCE OF KENT.-The Provincial Grand Lodge will be held at the Head Quarters of the Volunteer Artillery, at Brompton, on Wednesday, the 14th inst,, at twelve o'clock precisely. We understand that the following propositions will be brought forward :-That a grant from the Prov. G. Lodge fund of 20 guineas be made to the Zetland Commemoration, 50 guineas to the Old Men's Asylum, 40 guineas to the Girls' School, and 60 guineas to the Boys' School; the two latter amounts to be taken from the Provincial Charity Fund.

BRO. R. HUBBARD is the provendor of the General Steam Navigation Company's paddle steamer Hilda, which commenced her Sunday excursion to Margate and back, on the 4th inst. His kind, courteous, and gentlemanly attention is so well known as to become proverbial. The Hilda leaves London Bridge at 30 a.m., and after three hours stay at Margate, returns to the Bridge about eight o'clock in the evening. We can, with confidence, recommend this excursion to our readers as the place to spend a happy day.

THE Star Lodge (No. 1,257), will be consecrated early next month at the Marquis of Granby, New Cross-road, New Cross, Bros. J. Smith, P.G. Purst., W.M. designate; E. Palmer, 33, S.W.; C. J. Hogg, W.M. 58, J.W.; F, Walters, W.M. 871, Sec.

ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS. The annual summer fête and distribution of prizes took place on Thursday, the 8th inst., under he presidency of the V.W. Bro. the Rev. J. E. D. Cox, P. Grand Chap., in the absence of the W. Bro. W. Romaine Callender, jun., the D. Prov. G.M. for East Lancashire, who was to have presided, but by reason of an unforeseen and unavoidable legal engagement, was prevented trom per orming the duties of the president on this occasion.

A large number of ladies and gentlemen were present, and everything was done to render the occasion pleasurable, and the day's entertainment attractive.

From the lateness of the proceedings, however, we are unable to do more on this occasion than give a very brief summary of the day's business, reserving until our next issue the more detailed account of this very interesting gathering.

After the pupils had been engaged in athletic sports the prizes were distributed as follows:

CLASSICAL DEPARTMENT.

Upper Form.-Classics, mathematics, modern languages, and English, Edward Price Jones.

First Class.-Classics, William B. Redgrave; mathematics, modern languages, and English, Alfred F. Wallbridge.

Second Class.-Classics, mathematics, and modern languages,. Oliver Smith; English, William J. Hollis.

COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT.

First Class.-Arithmetic, Henry Bick; history and geography, Henry Johnson; writing, Alfred Edward Ladd; English, Henry Johnson.

Second Class-Arithmetic. Arthur Wm. Bowcock; history and geography, Henry S. Wheeler; writing, Alfred Mould;. English, Win, Richard Treatt.

Preparatory Class.-General Proficiency, Frank H. S. Moxon.