THE FREEMASONS MAGAZINE AND MASONIC MIRROR. VOL. XXIII. (NEW SERIES) JUNE TO DECEMBER, 1870. PUBLISHED FOR THE FREEMASONS' MAGAZINE COMPANY, LIMITED, AT THE OFFICE LONDON PRINTED BY THE FREEMASONS' MAGAZINE COMPANY (LIMITED), AT THE “ SCIENTIFIC PRESS," A CALM and unruffled prosperity to Masonry in England marks the close of another year. The melancholy war now raging in Europe, has in a great measure suspended the usual work of Masonry, in Lodges, near the seat of war, but opportunities are daily offered for the exercise of higher duties than mere ceremonial work. We almost daily read of instances of the practical advantages of Freemasonry, and the exercise of its nobler principles. Enemy meets enemy in deadly conflict-one or the other is overpowered and on the point of being slain, when by some happy circumstance, the fact becomes known that both are Masons. The point of the sword is withdrawn, a fraternal salute supplants the embrace of death-and the erst deadly enemies are now the sworn friends and defenders of each other. Aid to the sick and wounded in war has occupied the attention of the charitable, and vast are the funds that have flowed into the exchequers of the various organizations for affording relief, to the detriment, we fear we must own, of some of our own noble charitable Institutions. With pride we are enabled to state that British Masons, both at home and in our colonies, have come well to the front with their subscriptions. The time is approaching when appeals will be made on behalf of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution, the Royal Masonic Institution for Boys, and the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls. We have every reason to hope that the circumstances that have militated against the interests of other Charitable Institutions will not operate to the disadvantage of our own. Bro. H. R. H. the Prince of Wales, P.G.M., carrying out his promises of devotion to Masonry, has consented to preside at the Festival of the Girl's School, in May next; Bro. Col. F. Burdett, Prov. G.M., Middlesex, will preside at that of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution, on the 25th January. With such distinguished Patronage, and, as will be seen from our Lodge Reports, the large number of Stewards appointed to represent the Lodges, and the liberal subscriptions to their lists, we have no fear of any sensible dimunition in the amount of the contributions. While on the subject of the Masonic Charities, we again feel it a duty to call attention to the admirable plan of the "Masonic Benevolent Associations" recently established in various parts of the Metropolis, most in connection with Lodges of Instruction. Small weekly or monthly contributions are made, and when an amount is accumulated sufficient to purchase a Life Governorship in one of |