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under which it now appears; if he have satisfactorily shewn that the great object of the Institution is to promote the glory of God and the good of mankind; the testimony will be highly gratifying to his feelings; and he will not regret the time and attention which have been bestowed on the composition of the Work.

A spirit of enquiry distinguishes all ranks of men in the present day. Every art and every science forms a subject of public disquisition in our literary societies and institutions; and it is unreasonable to expect that the pursuits of Freemasonry will escape enquiry amidst that universal curiosity which now animates mankind to search into the hidden secrets of nature, and to detect each process by which her various changes are produced and modified. Our Institution pervades all classes of society, in every region of the globe; and it is not to be expected that the uninitiated will be satisfied with our pretensions, except they be borne out by an appearance, at the least, of superiority; and it cannot be denied that Freemasonry, previously to the present century, had not kept pace with the scientific improvement of the times. A dearth of masonic publications was acknowledged and lamented by our most worthy brethren; and, from this unpropitious circumstance, the Order was in evident danger of sinking in public estimation. From that period a new era has commenced; talented individuals no longer refuse to honour our Institution with their avowed patronage, as our philosophy becomes better understood; because it is defensible on grounds that are equally honourable and just; and this accounts for its extension amongst the aristocracy both of talent and wealth; and the distinction with which the fraternity is favoured in every country where superior civilization has elevated the dignity of

man.

A decision on the manner in which the following Work is executed, must be submitted to the reader's judgment.

Various opinions may exist upon this point. The Author has consulted the taste of every reader, and flatters himself that he has not been altogether unsuccessful. The scholar may derive some gratification, if not instruction, from the manner in which the subject is treated in reference to the usages of a remote antiquity, about which written records afford little aid to enlighten the path; while the practical Mason may reap much information from the latter division of the subject; and a fair portion of general knowledge will result from a candid perusal of the whole course. The industrious Brother who takes up the volume with a view of assisting his recollection, or improving his mind, will not, it is presumed, bestow his time in vain; and while he may derive amusement from a view of the various forms which the Order has assumed in different countries, and under divers modes of organization, he will not fail to augment his masonic resources, and become more impressed with the beauty and moral usefulness of the Institution into which he has been admitted. Hæc studia adolescentiam alunt, senectutem oblectant, secundas res ornant, adversis solatium et perfugium præbent, delectant domi, non impediunt foris, pernoctant nobiscum, peregrinantur, rusticantur. CIC.

SUBSCRIBERS' NAMES.

THE RIGHT HON. LORD SOUTHAMPTON.

THE RIGHT HON. THE EARL OF ABOYNE.

GRAND OFFICERS.

PROVINCIAL GRAND

OFFICERS.

The Hon. Augustus H. Moreton,

M. P.-G. S. W. The Rev. Walter B. Mant, Archdeacon of Down, P. G. M. of Carey and Dunluce, Ireland. The Hon. Theobald Fitzwalt Butler, G. Trea., Ireland. Thomas J. Tenison, Esq. G. A. D. C. of the Supreme Grand Encampment of Knights Templars of Ireland; President of the Armagh Masonic Council; W. M. 210, P. M. 50, 125, 143, 210, 681, and 790; M. E. Z. of the Chapter attached to St. Patrick's L. No. 50.

R. T. Crucefix, M. D. P. G. D.
F. H. Shields, G. Se. Scotland.
W. L. Manley, G. S. B.

L. Chander, P. G. S.

R. T. Wilson, G. S. L.

W. T. Smith, G. S. L.

C. Morison, M. D. Physician to the Household of H. R. H. the the Duke of Sussex, G. M.

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Br. C. Peaty, P. P. G. W. "P. Klitz, P. G. Organist

Kent.

"Phillips Moneypenny, Esq. P. G. J. W.

"Thos. Hallowes, Esq. P. G. Orator.

"J. Le Gros, P. G. Record Keeper.

Lancashire, Eastern Division. "Richard Lane, P. G. S. W. "H. Y. Rutter, P. G. Sec. "Richard Daly, P. Trea. "James Pitt, P. G. D. C. "Giles Duxbury, P. G. S. D. "James Reedes, P. G. J. D. "Thomas Pilling, P. G. Pur. "T. Wilson, P. P. G. S. W. "Jesse Lee, P. P. G. Sec. "W. Dawson, P. P. G. D. C. "T. Clough, P. G. S. B. "David Barber, P. G. J. G. "J. Dack, P. P. G. S. B. "J. Wagstaff, P. P. G. S. B. "N. Slater, P. G. Stew. "W. Heelis, P. G. Stew. "W. Chafer, P. G. Stew. "John Wallwork, P. P. G. Stew.

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"The Rt. Hon. C. T. D'Eyncourt, M. P. P. G. M.

"Sir Edward Brackenbury, P. D. P. G. M.

"Sir E. Ffrench Bromehead, Bart. P. G. S. W.

"John Wood, P. G. J. W. "W. Walker, P. G. Trea. "J. W. Goddard, P. G. Sec. "J. Williamson, P. P. G. J. W. "R. Turner, P. P. G. J. W. 66

Harvey, P. P. G. Trea. "J. W. Pashley, P. P. G. Trea. "J. J. Langwith, P. G. Sup. Works.

"W. A. Nicholson, P. P. G. Sup. Works.

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