honourable in publicity, but that it would be premature. Indeed, where the great moral axis of social security is concerned, it is but common sense to read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest, before we venture to give an opinion on subject-matters like "Life Assurance." In the year 1850, now nearly at hand, the great Levethian Mutual Office-the Equitable—will issue its bonus on policies of 1817. Expectation is on tiptoe; the insured are in a state of excitement, and other offices have received a very considerable access of business by insuring the risks accordingly. The result is indeed looked to with the most heartfelt anxiety; the fortunes of families are dependant thereon. May the result be in strict accordance with the long-honoured title of the office! As we have observed, a veil of mystery is put on our summary, and we shall therefore content ourselves with stating that the following Societies have held their annual and general meetings, that very able advocacy has been displayed in the several statements, and the public is left therefore to its discretion to select its own depository for ensuring the future comfort of dependent and depending humanity. A Letter on the Anti-Christian character of Freemasonry. By M. C. Trevilian, Esq., a voluntary Seceder from the Society. Whittaker. In an advertisement heralding the pretention of this lucubration to the attention of the world-we observe the author is styled Major Trevilian. The prefix "Major" may be an error-if so, the advertisement is merely an incorrect announcement, but if the author be really a fieldofficer, then, in such case, we would advise him to study the masonic addresses of the hero of Scinde, Lord Combermere, Colonel Chatterton, and other soldier Masons, whose opinions differ from Major Trevilian, so widely, as to make one rather sceptical as to whether the said Major really knows that he has been self-deluded on the subject-matter of his wordy book. It is our duty to read all arguments for and against Freemasonry, and we arrive at the conclusion, that this lengthy war of VOL. VII. G G words may be taken as both-for while it may not certainly be said to be intended to promulgate its objects, the abuse is of so harmless a nature, that it certainly must tell in favour of the Order. Such a work is too clearly among these evidences, that an increased number of asylums for the "feeble-minded" are necessary-not to claim our commiseration-the more so, as it is painfully observable that the name of the adorable one and his magnificent precepts are treated with that kind of freedom which prevents any comment on the folly of a man who, for the mere purposes of inane hostility, is thus totally oblivious of the moral duty due to society. A Retrospect by one who has seen. This, a modest brochure, referring it is believed to Major Trevilian's unblushing declaration, that it is just to violate the masonic obligation! The author deals mystically with his subject, but the interest is well sustained. Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire. U.S. A. The compiler of this exportation and explanation of masonic statutes for the past year, is entitled to the thanks and respect of the fraternity. These publications do great service to the Order-giving it strength, power, and influence. Healthy Skin. A Treatise on the Management of the Skin and Hair, in relation to Health. By Erasmus Wilson, F.R.S. Third Edition, Churchill. The Mr. Wilson has created a field for the development of a most important subject, and he has sustained its claim to attention. fasciculi of Portraits of Diseases of the Skin," are a magnificent contribution, whether examined as a work of art or science. The great work of Alibert is outrivalled, and in the beauty of the pencilling, an artist will find a study for contemplation. Another work "On Diseases of the Skin," with coloured engravings, has entitled itself to the most favourable consideration; but our urgent attention is to the third edition of "Healthy Skin," p. 238, 8vo. It is not inaptly inscribed to Edwin Chadwick, C. B., in admiration of his indefatigable labour in the cause of sanitary reform. The author in this little volume has acted with boldness, inasmuch as reducing the stupendous power of his former works, to the level of a popular essay, he may have to encounter the shaft of severe criticism; and yet we question whether he is not correct in his view; to the profession he has given a splendid addition to its archives, but which to the public at large is a dead letter; in fact, for the mother to look thereat, would be to alarm rather than to convince, while this popular illustration can be read without creating any other feeling than a desire to comprehend and to profit by. We look on this last labour of Mr. Wilson's to be equally important with his grander efforts, and must strongly recommend its perusal to those ladies who would sustain their loveliness, by preventing the encroachments of blemishes, for it seems "brigands" in the skin are ready to rob them of their beauty, as there are brigands to take the same liberty with their purse. Where there is so much to praise, there may be a little to censure, e. g., we should have preferred the prescriptions of certain efficacious and elegant formulæ, instead of being referred to a chemist. But there are spots on the sun's disc, and Mr. Wilson's work will, notwithstanding, be considered as most valuable. TO CORRESPONDENTS. The Public, and especially our Advertizing Friends, are cautioned against the man named GREEN. We are requested to state that Dr. Crucefix has altogether retired from London. His address is Grove, Gravesend, Kent; where all communications should be addressed that are intended for his personal observation—indeed, letters for the Editor, under cover to him, will more immediately reach their destination. It is most earnestly entreated that, wherever possible, all communications may be written only on one side of the paper; also that all German and other foreign words may be most legibly written. We are requested by Dr. Crucefix, who is preparing for the Press an account of Popular Events in English Freemasonry, to be favoured by any Masonic Papers; more especially as relating to York and Athol Masonry-the trials of Preston, Whitney, Bonner, and others. His own escapade is complete. Furthermore - Dr. Crucefix desires us respectfully to intimate, that as in a great many instances he has not kept copies of his own correspondence with numerous esteemed brethren, he will consider it a lasting obligation if brethren, possessing any letters written by him on important subjects, will grant him the loan of such letters, which will serve to refresh his memory; such letters of course will be returned, if requested. INDAGATOR.-We believe that Dr. Oliver would prefer a subscription to "The Symbol of Glory," and would feel personally complimented by any brother writing to him at Scopwick, near Lincoln, on the subject. Indagator is further informed that the copies will be delivered free of expense at the prices named in the prospectus. We believe also that Dr. Oliver will take a final leave of his friends and of Masonry in this Work. WHAT IS THE P. S. G. D. ABOUT?-Why he "havers" as usual, to be sure. Dearee me, what does that mean? "Haver, is the Scotch for talking nonsense like a silly person."-Vide Tait's Magazine for May last, p. 284. P. Q. complains that we have not noticed an elegant Volume of Songs and Ballads by Bro. J. E. Carpenter; this is true, but then we have not had the opportunity of doing so. Bro. SCOTT.-The communication is most welcome. Bro. E. P.-The outline of the address by Bro. Serjeant Wilkin, on his initiation at the Moira Lodge on the 24th April, is received; but we hope to be favoured by a more ample account of what is currently reported to have been a most brilliant address. A WHISTLER. "If we say we have not sinned we make him a liar." The story, as we heard it, runs thus:-Many years since, at an acadeiny for young gentlemen near Blackheath, one Master Thickhead whistled in school-time. Mr. F. insisted on the culprit stepping outThickhead did so; it was not however with the intention of owning his fault, but with brazen effrontery to denounce Master Kindheart as the offender. Now Thickhead was a big, burly boy, and Kindheart feared him-the inference was clear; poor Kindheart's protestation of innocence went for nothing with the pedagogue-Dr. Birch was applied to, and the arguments ad posteriorem were forcible and energetic. This incident is among many where Thickhead has through life figured in unenviable notoriety. "The child is father to the man; " Thickhead is still reckless of the mischief he creates, so that he can escape censure and advance his self-interest. Toadying, slandering, and Thickhead at length became a Grand Officer, and can "haver" as well as the best, except in Grand Lodge, where he is remarkable for silence, but voting on all questions as his masters direct. Can it be wondered at that Kindheart holds him in Masonic contempt? Both masonically (!) brothers, but with influences wide as the poles asunder. ARCHITECTON.- We have great pleasure in giving due publicity to the paper. MASONICUS.-It is difficult to please all, but we hope to have satisfied our Liverpool readers. HARUM-SCARUM.- Haparmachardverskinmulwicksonlen penpricefoldiana; decipher this, and there will appear a curious explanation"in omnibus rebus et quibusdam aliis"-shewing that want of decency is want of sense. SMITH O'BRIEN we understand to be a Freemason. PATTEN v. BOOT.-The contrast between the G. S. B. and the G. M. in the lower toggery was certainly striking-mud v. Japan. The lines as doggrel have fun and drollery, but are not in good taste. THE GRAND SECRETARY.-We differ, for as a member of Grand Lodge the G. S. had a right to vote for the Grand Master's list, and also to oppose the grant to widows. Havers would say, "Ex quovis ligno "-he merely eliminated. THE G. SUP. W.-We understand this learned Theban boasts of the honesty of his report. Alas for its truth! There is some difference between the two; the veriest ignoramus may consider himself to be honest in his opinion, knowing no better, but truth cannot be so handled. But what became of the report? Mark the report as delivered-would it be withdrawn if only honest? THE GRAND S. B. FOR 1850.-The M'Mullen has already promised it, consequently the G. M. has not the gift at present. The WHISTLER, the HAVERER, and MAC, may all grin through the same collar. The epigram is biting but too strong. THE HIGHEST PRICE.-The satire is rich, but the object poor. Bro. ROUNCE. Thanks for good wishes. The S. W. and not the P. M. should answer the question as to the W. M. THE ASYLUM. For particulars see the Festival account. |