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was a benevolent institution , her design was nolile ; to bind together the sons of inen in one happy and holy fraternity ; "to do good and to communicate ;" " To pity the distressed inclined , As well as just to all mankind ;"

this was the noble design of Masonry , and as such she acted in the capacity of a graceful handmaid to Christianity . In the prosecution of this noble object Masonry was a great traveller—^ mountains , seas , or continents obstructed not her progress . In the burning plains of Africa—the frozen regions of the north , or favoured and sunny spots of the south- -amidst Indian and Laplander , savage or sage , Frenchman or foe , the unwearied traveller was found prosecuting her noble designs of benevolence and love .

Masonry was a fine linguist , she spoke in all languages ; the interpretation of tongues was hers . She called no man a barbarian , but understanding the hidden language of the heart , grasped him with the hand of friendship and embraced him as a Brother . Masonry was a good neighour as well as a kind inmate . There are some of whom it has been said they are " saints abroad , but devils at home . " Not so Masonry ; she presided as a queen at home , shedding her benign influence around—inculcating lessons of unity and love , teaching mankind to be forbearing

and forgiving , and binding the neighbourhood in a family circle of happiness and harmony . The good Mason must on his own principles be a good father and good husband . Hence you will find that although the ladies are not privileged to be members , yet are they , for the most part , ardent admirers of our order . He thanked the Brethren for the kind and indeed enthusiastic manner in which they had received him , and assuring them that the happy feeling of Fraternal love was reciprocal , resumed his seat amid the most enthusiastic and prolonged cheers .

On the health of the late Chaplain , the Rev . Bro . T . Pearse , being drank , he rose and delivered a most elegant address on the Order ; as did also Bro . John Adey , the present Mayor of Poole , relate several very interesting circumstances of great kindness received from Freemasons in foreign countries ; and Bro . Ledgard , the late Mayor of this town , whose speeches , as well as those of other Brethren , we are under the necessity of omitting for want of room . The Brethren enjo 3 ed themselves in that peculiarly happy manner which always distinguishes this Fraternity .

ESSEX . Harwich . —The Star in the East Lodge ( No . 935 ) , recently constituted , seems to hold out every promise of a prosperous career . The second meeting took place on Monday , the 13 th of August . An initiation and passing formed the business

of the evening . Two gentlemen were proposed for initiation at the next meeting , in addition to one already balloted for , and one Bro . for joining . The R . W . Prov . G . M . Bro . Bagshaw , and Bro . Hervey , P . S . G . D ., attended the Lodge , which was also visited by Bro . Binckes , S . W ., No . 11 , and Bro . Forbes , P . M ., No . 59 . ,

HERTFORDSHIRE . Hitchin . —Provincial Grand Lodge . —The annual meeting of the Grand Lodge of this Province was held on Thursday , August 9 , at the Sun Hotel , in Hitchin . The business of the day was opened by the Brethren of the Cecil Lodge , Bro . Sugars , P . M . presiding , and the Prov , G . M . was introduced and received in due form : the Lodge was then closed .

The Prov . Grand Lodge then assembled . Present—The R . W , Bro . William Stuart , of Aldenham , Prov . G . M . on the Throne ; the V . W . Bro . T . A . Ward , Dep . Prov . G . M . ; the Y . W . Bro . George Francis , Dep . Prov . G . M . of Surrey , as Prov . G . S . W . ; the W . Bro . H . Burchell-Herne , as Prov . G . J . W . ; Bro . Rogers , Prov . C , Treas . ; Bro . J . Sedgwick , Prov . G . Sec . ; Bro , G . H . Law , Prov . G . S . D . ; Bro . J . How , as Prov . G . Purs . ; Bros . Tootell , Sugars , Pritchett , W . Rogers , and other Past Prov . G . Officers , the Masters and Wardens of Lodges , & c . The Prov . G . L . was opened in due form , and with solemn prayer .