St. John's Lodge, Bolton.

history with satisfaction , ancl consider the author , wdio has devoted time to its preparation , has become a benefactor to the Craft ancl done his part to render an authentic account of our Societ y ' possible . In evidence that the junior lodges of the " Ancients " may furnish some curious particulars , and even facts of consequence , we may cite those of No . 221 and particularly the Bye-Law No . 4 : — " Every subscribing brother shall

, wear on his breast that mark of distinction that is worn by Ancient Masons on regular meeting nights . " We have so far failed to discover to what this rule refers , and shall be glad if any one can enlighten us . The old medals occasionally met with are generally unique in style , emblems , etc . We do not remember any two being exactly alike , so it is nOt probable that the mark of distinction referred to was of a meclallic character . The subject is a curious

one , and we are not aware of another such regulation . In conclusion , we trust that the example set by Bro . George Parker Brockbank and several other brethren , by the compilation of their Lodge Histories , will prove to be the heralds of many more similar and valuable productions . Truro , April 7 th , 1880 . WILLIAM JAMES HUOHAN .

The Mystic Craft.

THE MYSTIC CRAFT .

BY BRO . R . PAYNE . 0 MYSTIC Craft ! that , ark-like , through all generations , Unscath'd by fire or tempest , on the swirling flood Ridest secure amid the wrecks of creeds and nations , Whose Architect and Strength , whose Guide , whose Goal , is God .

His arm , whose thunderbolts on every side are blasting , Is ever over thee to shield , to lead ancl keep : His voice , which rends in wrath the mountains everlasting , To thee speaks peace , and stills thy path amid the deep . 0 happy flock ; which feed ' st on sunlit pastures tow ' ring Above all earthly glooms , led by thy Shepherd-Lord—Keep ever on those heights , beyond the storm-clouds low ' ring , ¦ Whose rain is strife and hate , whose lightnings , fire and sword .

0 , wondrous temple ! in whose myriad holy places Dim flashes of the eternal Father ' s glory glow , Within thy portals pure may nothing that debases Presume to mar that beauty which no fleck should know . Still onward pilot this Thine ark , most mighty Master , In safety till she reach the long sought stormless shore :

Still lead ancl feed this flock of Thine , most holy Pastor , Where ' er they wander , till all wanderings are o ' er . Father of Lights , who hast nor change nor shade of turning , Keep this Thy temple ever through all change and . chance : Keep , by Thy glory fed , its glory ever burning ; Founded in strength , may it from strength to strength advance ,

Till , at the trumpet's sound , all earthly lodges enter Within the Veil , from every kindred , clime , and zone , And meet at last , united at the eternal Centre , Brethren for ever , in Grand Lodge around Th y Throne . B 2