Freemasonry In England.

members . On the motion being put , a vast majority of the brethren considered it an encroachment on their privileges , and the Grand Lodge ivas closed before the sentiments of the whole of the brethren could be collected . And it was not till the year 1770 , that this privilege was strictly warranted . A privilege has also since been granted to the Stewards' Loclge of taking precedence of all other Lodges , the two oldest not excepted .

The Earl of Loudon ivas installed Grand Master , at Fishmongers ' Had , on the 13 th April , 1736 , and oppointed Br . Ward D . G . M ., Sir Eobert Lawley , Bart , and William Greeme , M . D . and F . E . S ., Grand Wardens . His Lordship constituted several Lodges , ancl granted three provincial deputations , one for New England , a second for South Carolina , and a third for Cape Coast Castle , in South Africa .

The Earl of Damley was elected and duly installed as Grand Master , at Fishmongers' Hall , on the 28 th April , 1757 . His lordship appointed Br . Ward , D . G . M ,, and Brs . Lawley , and Graeme , Grand Wardens . During his lordship ' s administration , Frederick Prince of Wales , father of George III ., was initiated into Masonry at an occasional Loclge convened for the purpose at Kew , over which Dr . Desaguliers presided as Master . The

Grand Master was most attentive in the discharge of the duties of Ms office , and granted deputations for Lodges at Montserrat , Geneva , the circle of Upper Saxony , the coast of Africa , New York , and the islands of America .

The Earl of Darnley was succeeded by the Marquis of Carnarvon , afterwards Duke of Chandos , who ivas installed at an assembly and feast , held at Fishmongers'Hall , 27 th April , 1738 . He appointed Br . Ward , D . G . M ., and Brs . Graham ancl Eohmson , Grand Wardens . In tlie year 1738 , a formidable bull was thundered from the Eoman conclave , not only against Freemasons themselves , but against all those who promoted or favoured

their cause—who gave them the smallest countenance or advice—or who were in any respect connected with a set of men , who , in the opinion of Ms Holiness , were enemies to the tranquilit y of the State , and hostile to the spiritual interest of soids . Notwithstanding the severity of this bull , which threatened excommunication to every offender , no particular charge , either of a moral or political nature , was brought against a single

individual of the Order . It was merely stated that the Fraternity had spread far and wide , and were daily increasing , that they admitted men of every religion into their society , and that they bound their members by an oath , to observe with inviolable secrecy , the mysteries of their Order . These circumstances indeed , were sufficient grounds for exciting the Church of Koine to oppose a system so contrary to their contracted views in religion

and government . This bull was followed by au edict , dated 14 th January ,. 1739 , containing sentiments equally bigotted , and enactments equally severe . The servitude of the galleys , ' the tortures of the rack , and a fine of 1000 crowns in gold , were threatened to persons of every description , who were daring enough to breathe the infectious air of a Masonic assembly . The Grand Master during his year of office , paid every attention to its duties , and , in testimony of Ms esteem , presented to the Grand Lodge a gold jewel , for the use of the Secretary . . Two deputations