240 PROVINCIAL. BERKS. READING.-On Wednesday, May 5th, a Grand Provincial Meeting of the Masonic Lodges of Berks and Bucks, was held at Reading, by command of the Provincial Grand Master, the Marquis of Downshire; and the circumstance that there had been no similar gathering since 1848 gave an additional interest to it. The Town Hall was converted into a Lodge Room, and considerable taste and ingenuity were exercised to make it so well adapted as it was for the purpose. His Lordship arrived at one o'clock, and was received with a hearty salute by the Brethren, who had assembled, in number, about an hundred. The P. G.M. was accompanied by the D. P.G. M., Bro. Gibson, and all the Prov. Grand Officers; in addition to whom were Bro. the Rev. E. Moore, Grand Chaplain of England; Bro. the Rev. Sir W. Hayes, Bart., P. G. C.; Bro. R. J. Spiers, P. G. S. B.; Bro. Martin Atkins, Bro. Walesby, &c. The minutes of the last Prov. Grand Lodge were read and confirmed. The Prov. Grand Officers of the past year then resigned their jewels and insignia of office to the P. G. M., who appointed the following Brethren to be his Officers for the ensuing year : Bro. R. Gibson, Dep. Prov. G. M.; Bro. Wigginton, S. W.; Bro. J. Compigne, J. W.; Bro. Rev. A. Roberts, Chap.; Bro. J. Gibson, Sec.; Bro. Clode, S. D.; Bro. Lowndes, J. D.; Bro. Sir P. Hunter, Sup. of W.; Bro. Chambers, Dir. of Cer.; Bro. Jenkins, Assist. Dir. of Cir.; Brother Tull, O.; Bro. Bulley, S. B.; Bro. Leaver, P.; Bros. Tidswell, Lane, G. Botly, J. Sewell, Bachelor, Humphries, Stewards. Bro. Cave was unanimously re-elected by the Lodge to the office of P. G. Treasurer. The respective Officers received their jewels from the P. G. M., and took their appointed posts. It was agreed that in future the members of the Provincial Lodge should pay an annual subscription of two shillings, with a view of forming a fund, by means of which they might assist the charities of those towns where the Lodge held its meetings, and for other purposes. It was also agreed that a series of bye-laws for the government of the Lodge should be drawn up by a Committee, and submitted to the next meeting. The Lodge was then adjourned, in order that the Brethren might attend divine service at St. Mary's Church. The brethren assembled at the Auction Rooms in Bridge-street, where they invested themselves with their Masonic clothing, and at three o'clock, went in procession to church in the following order :Tyler, with drawn sword. Brethren, not subscribing members of any Lodge, two and two. Cherwell Lodge, Banbury Newbury Lodge Buckingham Lodge, Aylesbury Right Worshipful the P. G. M. (Marquis of Downshire). The Sermon.-An immense number of persons was congregated in the street to witness the procession, but a passage was made through the crowd, so that the Brethren met with no obstruction or inconvenience. On reaching the church, the Brethren took their seats in the chancel, which was appropriated exclusively for their use. The service was read by the Past Grand Chaplain of England, Bro. Rev. Sir J. W. Hayes, and the sermon preached by Bro. Rev. A. Roberts, Prov. G. S. The rev. gentleman selected the 1st chap. of the General Epistle of St. James, and the 27th verse: "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." The rev. gentleman commenced by adverting to the importance of true religion, that religion which taught them there was but one gospel in which they believed; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God, who is the father of us all. Every Christian should act on the words, "Love to God, and faith in Jesus Christ," as religion's chief ingredients, because from those two principles must proceed everything good and acceptable in our actions. The language in the text manifestly taught them what true religion was, namely, "To visit the fatherless and widows in their afflictions and to keep ourselves unspotted from the world." In doing this, all their professions must be marked by consistency and honesty in their works. He had a twofold reason in selecting those words for his text on the present occasion: first, although he did not by any means intend to place Freemasonry on a par with religion, still those words were illustrative in a forcible and effective degree of the main principles by which their Craft professed to be guided; and secondly, with the hope that the unfolding of those ties which linked them together, would show that their objects were those of goodness, endeavouring to improve the moral and social character of our fellowcreatures, to administer to the necessities of those in distress, to promote virtue and religion, and by a life in unison with their professions, to show "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and good-will towards mankind." "He stood not there as the apologist of their Order; but they must all be well aware how many individuals there were (he would not say with evil will towards them), who, from possessing little knowledge on the subject, questioned their sincerity, and doubted the good they effected. It would be his duty then to endeavour to erase any such impressions, by showing the basis of the fabric, on which Masonry was founded, the keystone of their Institution. It was based upon the volume of sacred law, and the superstructure upon which it was raised, was that comprehensive and imperative command of our Saviour, "Love thy neighbour as thyself." They were taught to regulate their actions by the divine precepts which the Bible contained, and thus to do their duty towards God and their neighbour; to God, by never mentioning his name except with that reverence which was ever due from the creature to the Creator; and to their neighbour, by acting always with kindness and love, and rendering to him those kind offices which justice and mercy might require, by alleviating his distress and soothing his afflictions, and by doing to him as in similar circumstances they would wish to be done by. Also by walking in such a prudent and well-regulated course as might best conduce to the mental and physical faculties, and likewise promoting the welfare of their fellow-creatures. When such were its objects, was there anything in it to provoke the smile of ridicule or the sneer of contempt? It had, moreover, been in existence almost from VOL. III. 21 time immemorial; it was of great antiquity, and although he had no doubt it could be traced to a more remote date, yet they confidently affixed Masonry to the time of the building of Solomon's temple. It is an order which had ranked amongst its followers the great and the good in all ages and in all countries. Whilst other institutions have been commenced and for a time flourished, and then vanished, Masonry has continued to flourish, extending its advantages from east to west in every quarter of the habitable globe, and as it had truly been said, "in every quarter a Mason may find a friend, and in every clime a home." He would next draw the attention of the Brethren of the Craft for a few moments. He would wish to impress upon them that all their acts of charity and kindness and good-will done towards others, were almost unavailing unless they endeavoured to make their actions harmonize with their professions. By a great solemn obligation had they bound themselves to that society, not less stringent than their baptismal vow. If the acts of any one of the Brethren were found to be at variance with their great and good professions, he enjoined them to remember that it was calculated to bring obloquy upon the whole body. Let them not lose sight of the important fact, that the high privilege of being a Freemason involved the necessity of acting worthily of that calling, and whilst they gloried in their connection with such an institution, which prompted and encouraged and exercised the highest virtues of our nature, every one of those recommendations in their Order should be as so many pledges to them and the world, that they would walk satisfactorily in the paths of rectitude, and to render it imperative upon them to show themselves worthy of their professions. Masonry contained nothing that the most fastidious might object to; but its principles were such as could not fail in gaining the admiration of all. He urged upon them to prove to the world that they were sincere in their professions-to act up to those Christian precepts taught by scripture so that when their sojourn in this life terminated, and they had to leave the lodge below, they would be heralded into the Grand Lodge above, presided over by the Great Architect of the universe. The rev. gentleman concluded his discourse by making a fervent and earnest appeal to the sympathies of the congregation, to support two excellent charities-one "The Widows' and Orphans' Fund for Freemasons," and the other "The Royal Berkshire Hospital." The above is but a brief and imperfect outline of a discourse, which, for its eloquence, earnestness, and beautiful delivery, has rarely been excelled. It was listened to with breathless attention and deep interest, and on the initiated, as well as the uninitiated, left an impression that will not speedily be removed. The collection amounted to 217., and we rejoice to hear that the sermon will be published for the benefit of the Masonic Widows' and Orphans' Fund. The Brethren returned in procession to the room from which they started, and divested themselves of their Masonic clothing. The Banquet.-At five o'clock nearly 100 of the Craft sat down to "refreshment in the New Hall, London-street, served up by Mrs. Mason, of the George Hotel, in a most elegant style. The room was beautifully decorated by numerous paintings (kindly lent by Br. Compigne and friends), evergreens, &c. The usual formularies were broken through on this occasion, and ladies were admitted to the gallery. Pr. G. M. the Marquis of DowNSHIRE gave "The health of her Majesty the Queen," which was responded to by three times three. The Pr. G. M. said he had the honour of proposing "The health of the Most Worshipful the Grand Master of England, the Earl of Zetland," a nobleman well known to all of them by name, and whom he hoped they would soon have the pleasure of having among them. Bro. D. P. G. M. R. GIBSON said, it afforded him much pleasure to rise and propose the next toast,-one which he was certain required no eulogium from him to cause them to receive it most enthusiastically, it was no less than "The health of their Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, Lord Down shire." (Loud cheers.) He thought that very few rulers in a Province would devote as much time to the interests of a Craft, considering his numerous engagements and occupations, as the noble Lord had done, whom he had then the honour of introducing to them. Were he not so near him he should say very much more, but he knew he despised anything personal. However he must have been gratified at witnessing the large assemblage in Grand Lodge as well as in the church, where they had that very admirable and eloquent discourse delivered to them (loud applause)-that discourse which was calculated to remind every Mason of the duties that he was called upon to defend and espouse. He thought he could safely say that it had been of service to most of them; and he trusted it would be of great benefit in showing to many of the uninitiated what their principles were. Such he was certain was the object of their excellent Chaplain, who introduced so admirably their principles, and such he was certain was the desire of their Pr. Grand Master. (Applause.) They would, he had no doubt, reap the benefits therefrom hereafter, and, notwithstanding the large numbers they had had in attendance that day, they would be doubled on the next occasion. The clear and lucid manner, in which the principles of their Craft were enunciated, must serve to enlighten those who were unhappily ignorant of them. (Applause.) He felt he was rather digressing from the toast, but he was sure he would be excused for so doing. He would not do more than give them the health of their Pr. Grand Master, feeling assured that they would evince towards him that cordiality which they had ever manifested. (Applause.) He gave them "The health of their Pr. Grand Master, wishing him health and happiness, and might he long be permitted to enjoy both." (Loud and continued cheering.) The Pr. GRAND MASTER returned thanks. He was afraid that his Brother's kindness of heart had led him to express more than he was deserving of. (Cries of "No, no.") He had not been amongst them so often as he could desire, the numerous engagements which he had precluded him reluctantly from so doing; he was so very much engaged, that really he could not find time for half the things he was desirous of attending to. He was desirous of devoting more time to the interest of the Craft; but when they looked into the public prints, and saw the wretched, and unhappy, and painful condition in which his own country was, he was certain an excuse would be granted, when he informed them that he was doing what he could to assuage the forlorn condition of his own countrymen. (Loud cheers.) Let them hope that there was a brighter time dawning, when one country would not be so very much behind the other. (Loud cheers.) It was painful to speak of that matter, but he felt it warmly, and was desirous of ameliorating their condition. With regard to the proceedings of that day, he begged most cordially, as their Grand Master, to express his warm approbation for the careful and able manner in which they had been performed. When he commanded their attendance, he was afraid of encroaching too much upon their time; but the large attendance they had had convinced him that their interest in the welfare of the Craft was unabated. He was aware that it was a great tax upon a man's time, but still, for such a cause as that, he would not envy the feelings of any man who would begrudge so small a space of time. (Applause.) He begged, on behalf of himself, and also his Brethren, to thank their Chaplain for the excellent sermon he had that day delivered, and he was certain they would all feel deeply obliged, if he would allow that sermon to be printed. (Cheers.) The Pr. GRAND MASTER then proposed "The healths of the D. Pr. Grand Master the Earl of Yarborough, and the other Grand Officers of England." Bro. the Rev. Sir JOHN HAYES, Vicar of Arborfield, P. G. C., responded to the toast, and expressed his regret that there were not more Grand Officers present, but there happened to be on that day two large meetings of Royal Arch Masons in London, which had kept several away. The Grand Chaplain the Rev. Bro. Moore came down on purpose to witness the installation of the Officers, but was obliged to leave before the banquet. He (Bro. Hayes) could assure them that the Officers of the Grand Lodge were exceedingly anxious to promote the interests of the Order, and he hoped that they would always deserve as he believed they did at the present time-the support and good-will of the Craft in general. (Cheers.) The Pr. GRAND MASTER said the next toast he had to submit to their approbation was "The Grand Lodges of Ireland and Scotland." He was glad to know that a Brother from the latter country was present, and he therefore coupled with the toast the name of Captain Dickson. (Loud cheers.) Capt. DICKSON, W. M. of No. 13 of the Grand Lodge of Ireland, on rising to return thanks, was warmly applauded. He could assure them that he experienced the greatest pleasure in returning thanks for the honour they had done to the Lodges of Scotland and Ireland in drinking their healths in such a kind manner. That satisfaction was heightened by the kind terms in which they had spoken of his country, therefore did he thank them the more for alluding to her in terms of good-feeling and cordiality. It was true their numbers were in a minority, but still he hoped they were strong and stout. The noble Lord had described to them that evening pretty accurately the state of that unfortunate country, and he could assure them that he had not at all over-stated their lamentable condition; but still he hoped a brighter era was dawning, in which their misery would in a great measure be alleviated. (Loud cheers.) The more they became acquainted with their sufferings (which they fortunately were), the more would they find that there were some though perhaps not deserving of their good opinion to so large an extent as the noble Lord-but still they were to a certain degree deserving of it. He was desirous of seeing the time approach when they would all become one nation, and act in unity together as Brethren. (Loud cheers.) He begged, in the name of the Lodges referred to, to return them their most sincere thanks for the honour they had done them that evening. (Cheers.) The Pr. GRAND MASTER said, before he proceeded to give the next toast, they would perhaps allow him to revert for a moment to his own country. His friend on his left (Capt. Dickson) had, he supposed, wished them to become better acquainted with the land on the other side of the water. Those who were desirous of paying its shores a visit, would have an excellent opportunity, inasmuch as an Exhibition for Irish products was going to be held in Cork on the 10th of June, by the order of the Lord Lieutenant, and arrangements for economical travelling would be effected, which would place it within the reach of all to visit Ireland. He could only say, that if any gentleman thought proper to avail himself of such a trip, he should be glad to see any of them. (Loud cheers.) The Pr. GRAND MASTER, in proposing "The healths of the Dep. Pr. Grand Master Bro. Gibson, and the other Pr. Grand Officers," said that it would be but a poor compliment to make any eulogistic remarks on their merits, because they were so well known and appreciated by all present. He was most happy to say that he was personally acquainted with all those Brethren, and it was a great satisfaction to him, as well as to them, to have for their Dep. Pr. Grand Master a Brother so deservedly popular, not only in that room, but throughout the country, as Bro. Gibson. (Loud cheers.) Bro. GIBSON, in returning thanks, said that the Officers, with whom he was associated, were most zealous Masons, and calculated in every way to do honour to the Lodge; the enthusiastic manner in which the last toast had been received would be a stimulant to them to increased exertion, and he trusted that when they resigned their jewels, the Pr. Grand Master would not regret the appointments which he had made on the present occasion. (Cheers.) The Pr. GRAND MASTER proposed "Prosperity to the Lodges of the Province of Oxfordshire," and coupled with the toast the name of Bro. Spiers, P. S. W., P. G. S. B. of England, who had not only rendered great service to Masonry in that Province, but had given him the benefit of his valuable assistance on the present occasion. (Loud cheers.) Bro. SPIERS said that he had great satisfaction in again visiting the Pr. Grand Lodge of Berks and Bucks; for he remembered, with much pleasure, the agreeable reception which he and his friends met with at this place four years ago, when it was their duty to attend their own Pr. G. M. Bro. Ridley, and to assist him in the installation of their noble President the Marquis of Downshire. He wished much that a larger number of Oxfordshire Brethren could have attended on the present occasion, but their time had lately been occupied more than usual with Masonic meetings and festivals at home and elsewhere; and the University public examinations were now going on, which detained many, who would otherwise gladly have been present. They were sincerely anxious to cultivate a closer acquaintance with a Province which bounded them on two of its sides, and they desired to see and to know more of each other than was |