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ffitmteittsf . — PAGE . F REEMASONS' MA & AZKJB : — Aid to the Sick and Wounded in AVar 221 Physical Astronomy ; or , New Theories of the Universe 222 Tho Connection between Freemasonry and Religion 223 English Gilds 226 229

Our Masonic Charities Masonic Jottings—No . 37 230 Masonic Notes and Queries 231 Masonic Say ings anel Doings Abroad 232 MASONIC MIRROR : — Masonic Mems 233 CRAET LODGE M EETIKGS : —

Metropolitan 234 Provincial 236 British Burmah 235 Royal Arch 237 Mark Masonry 238 Masonic Journeyings 238 Obituary 239 List of Lodge , & c , Meetings for ensuing week 240

Aid To The Sick And Wounded In War.

AID TO THE SICK AND WOUNDED IN WAR .

LONDON , SATURDAY , SEPTEMBER 17 , 1870 .

Onr readers will perceive , from a notice in another page , that a special meeting of Grand Lodge was called for Friday , the 16 th September , for the purpose of considering and deciding upon a motion proposed by the Deputy Grand Master , the Eight Hon .

the Earl of Carnarvon , for a grant of £ 500 toward the fund of the National Society for the Relief of the Sick and "Wounded in "War .

It is but natural that Freemasons , as a body , should now take the opportunity of exercising that virtue which they profess so much to admire—charity , and we feel assured that no Mason will feel any regret that so large a contribution should be devoted towards

furthering the operations of this noble society . The recollection of the many instances in which British charity has been made to flow , as it were by the touch of a magician ' s wand , will prevent any surprise being excited by the fact that so large a sum as

£ 165 , 000 shall have already been voluntarily subscribed in this country ; and it is also a source of congratulation to us , that the Ancient , Free , and Accepted Masons of England are not behindhand in this —one of the greatest works of charity .

Without any attempt to deprecate the efforts of the officers of Grand Lod ge in the matter , we must take objection to the manner in which the Special Grand Lodge has been called , having received

complaints from numerous subscribers on the subject . The meeting having been fixed for Friday of the present week , and we are informed that the notices , although dated 9 th September , were not ready for issue until some time afterwards . This short notice will prevent many brethren in London from attending , and will render almost impossible the attendance of any considerable number of provincial brethren .

Although it was evident to those who attended the Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge on the 7 th inst . that the Acting Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master were desirous that some grant should be obtained towards the fund in question , and on

that evening , if possible , such a vote could not be legally carried , nor the subject even then discussed in the absence of proper notice of motion .

No intimation was then given that a Sp . ecial Grand Lodge should be called , and if on Wednesday it had been determined to call a Special Grand Lodge for the 16 th inst . ; it ought to have been then announced ; and if it was determined on prior to the 9 th inst ., when the circular notice is dated , it would have been

more consistent with the importance of the occasion , the best interests of the Craft , and the respect due to our provincial brethren , to have at once given immediate notice through the means of the press .

We have no desire to stay the liberal hand of Charity , but we consider it moet necessary that every member of Grand Lodge , representing the whole of the' Craft in this country , should have a voice in the matter .

We desire to see a very large ancl timely contribution made to this benevolent society ; but it should be done in such a manner that there shall be no room for any reflection to be cast upon the course taken , by those brethren who have not been afforded an opportunity of taking a part in the matter .

We therefore venture to suggest to tbe leading members of Grand Lodge that they should not again afford occasion for complaints of this kind . This may easily be avoided by a modification of the practices and arrangements ofthe officials connected with the

business department of our Grand Lodge . Recent circumstances have shown that the officials acting under the Grand Secretary have been opposed to reasonable and proper publicity being given to acts and matters which interest the Craft at large , and with which

provincial brethren have as much right to be acquainted with , as those London brethren who have more facility of access to the meetings of Grand Lodge , and to which publicity can only be given through the assistance of the Masonic press . Complaints are many and loud at the treatment , or rather the neglect aud disregard of the interests of the provincial brethren .