A NEW AND VALUABLE MASONIC WORK. THE REV. Brother Dr. GEORGE OLIVER, of Scopwick Vicarage, (Eng) Past Provincial Grand Master for Lincolnshire, and one of the most learned and indefatigable writers and Masons of his age, gives notice in the London Quarterly Review, that he is about to take his leave of the public and the Fraternity as an author, with a series of PRACTICAL LECTURES ON THE HISTORICAL LANDMARKS, and other evidences of Freemasonry, under the arrangement which has been enjoined by the Grand Lodge of England. We give a part of the Doctor's programme of the work, for the information of our readers, and that they may see to what extent the expla nations and illustrations are given in the text-books most approved by our European Brethren. The work will unquestionably be the most important and useful Masonic Manual,-for practical purposes,-ever published. It will of course be adapted to the English system. The learned author says

"In the prosecution of this design I have adopted an arrangement corresponding with the order in which our Degrees are conferred. After an Introduction containing an inquiry into the legality and usefulness of Masonic publications; and two Preliminary Lectures, giving a general view of the landmarks intended to be illustrated, I shall enter upon a series of disquisitions illustrative of the First Tracing Board; in which the Form, Situation, Extent, Ground, (including the first and second Grand Offerings) Support, and Covering of a Lodge, will be dilated on in so many Lectures. The deliverance from Egyptian bondage, and the ancient custom of opening a Lodge on the highest of hills, or in the lowest of valleys, will close the illustrations of the First Degree.

"The Second Degree will open with a Lecture on the symbolical references of the Order. I shall then proceed with a critical examination of the number of workmen employed about the Temple of Solomon; and the system of classification which was adopted in the quarries, the forest, and the mountain of Moriah. The Second Tracing Board will occupy our attention-the Porch and its PillarsJephtha and the Ephramites-the Winding Staircase and its Steps, with their symbolical reference-the Letter G, &c.; and Lectures on the Grand Architect's Six Periods-the Inundation of the Nile-the Twelve Grand Points-and the Third Grand Offering, will close the Second Degree.

"In the Third and its accompanying Degrees and Orders, the subject becomes more diffusive, and will require to be more extensively treated. Accordingly, commencing with the Legend, I shall endeavour to trace its origin amidst the darkness of a remote antiquity, and to explain its symbolical application. Then the nature and design of Freemasonry before the Flood, and the subject of "Worldly Possessions" will be examined; while the Sacred Lodge, the decorations of the Temple, and the sources of King Solomon's wealth, will be discussed in order; as well as the Masonic reference attached to the Fall and Restoration of our first parents. Then follows, in due course, a consideration of the Burning Bush, the Tetragrammaton or Incommunicable Name, and the Rod of Moses, which will be examined, each in a separate Lecture. After which I shall open the Holy Lodge at the foot of Mount Sinai, and consider the application to Masonry of the Ark of the Covenant-the Priestly Orders-the Camp of Israel, and the Banners of the Twelve Tribes; none of which will be dismissed without distinct and exclusive notice. The remarkable events in the reign of Josiah will be considered before we proceed to the Babylonish Captivity, its termination, and the opening of the Grand and Royal Lodge-the building of the Sacred Temple-the Triple Tau, and the departure of the Sceptre from Judah. A careful examination of all

these subjects, so far as they are connected with Freemasonry, will illustrate the fact, that our ancient and Royal Order, is a progressive system, consistent in all its parts, and symbolizing the way to salvation through the merits of a Redee:ner who made atonement for the sins of men by the sacrifice of the Cross.

I

"In the construction of these Lectures, I propose to subjoin copious authorities for every fact and argument that it may be necessary to introduce in illustration of the general system of Freemasonry. The Notes will therefore be extremely numerous, and gathered from every accessible source which is worthy of credence. It is hoped that these Notes will be found of some service in clearing up doubtful or difficult points of discipline and doctrine. They will be selected with great care, and will constitute a series of vouchers for the credibility of every important rite connected with the several Degrees of the Order, which are practised at the present day. They will be a mirror to reflect the opinions-a registry to chronicle the Masonic sentiments of living Masons, not only in this kingdom but in all others, as well as of those who have flourished in by-gone ages. It is true, do not profess to engage in any formal illustration, beyond the three symbolical or Blue Degrees ending in the Royal Arch and its subsidiary appendages; but every other Order which is in any way allied to Freemasonry, will be incidentally noticed, and its claims to credence briefly investigated. I am anxious that the Brethren should familiarly understand every point, part, and secret connected with the Institution; and though I am not ignorant of the responsibility which will naturally accompany an attempt to communicate this knowledge, yet I flatter myself that I shall be able to accomplish it with a conscientious regard to the terms of my O B, and at the same time, with such perspicuity as may render the explanation plain and intelligible to the Fraternity, while they continue an impenetrable mystery to those who have not had the advantage of initiation.

"In the system, as it is practised in our Lodges, the connection between the several consecutive degrees is not accurately defined; nor perhaps would it be possible, in practice, to establish a series of rites by which that connection could be distinctly impressed upon the mind of a candidate during the ceremony of initiation. This important effect can only be accomplished by the subsequent explanations of a zealous and indefatigable Master; and to do this effectually, he must depart from the usual routine, or rather, he must amplify and illustrate the authorized lectures by the introduction of parallel facts, and explanatory observances, connected with the history and antiquities, manners and customs, laws and usages, of the country and period which may form the subject of disquisition. And there are many reasons that make such a course, under present circumstances, almost impracticable. The Master of a Lodge has generally other objects of pursuit to engage his mind, and occupy his attention, which leave him little leisure to pursue the investigations necessary to accomplish so extensive an undertaking. The present work is intended to supply materials for accelerating these studies. No subject will be left untouched, doubts will be removed, and difficulties explained. The links of connection between the several Degrees will be supplied; and thus the Brethren will be furnished with a clue to direct their inquiries into the right channel: and it may not be too much to anticipate that the path to Masonic knowledge will be thereby relieved, in a great measure, from the difficulties which obstruct the progress of scientific research into the mysteries of the Order."

The learned Doctor adds, that it is his intention" to leave no point unexplained connected with the theory of Masonry, which may be prudently committed to print." He proposes to issue the work in monthly and quarterly parts,-the former at twenty five and the latter at seventyfive cents each. It is expected that it will embrace upwards of forty lectures,

viz :-ten on the first Degree, twelve on the second, and twenty on the third, including the Royal Arch,-these, according to the Grand Lodge of England, composing the whole of " pure ancient Masonry."

HON. J. LEANDER STARR.

THIS distinguished Brother has recently been on a visit to our city, and has availed himself of the opportunity to visit several of the Masonic bodies, of different Orders, and to witness their ceremonies. The commander of the Boston Encampment of Knights Templars, M. E. JOHN B. HAMMATT, Esq., obligingly summoned a special meeting of his commandery, and thus afforded the respected visitor an opportunity to witness the excellent manner in which the Order is conferred in that Institution,—which, for accuracy and discipline, is not surpassed by any similar body in this country. Br. Starr, in an excellent and appropriate off-hand speech, paid it the highest compliment, as he did the work of the Lodges and Chapters he had visited. The Sir Knights had prepared a slight entertainment for the occasion, and the evening passed away in the most delightful and satisfactory manner.

It may be proper to state, that Br. Starr holds the responsible and honorable office of Provincial Grand Master for Nova Scotia. His commission, which we have been permitted to examine, is from the Grand Lodge of Scotland, issued under "the sanction of the M. W. Grand Master, the Right Honorable Lord FREDERICK FITZCLARENCE, G. C. H., &c. &c. &c., constituting and appointing the R. W. Brother the Hon. JOHN LEANDER STARR, &c. &c. &c., Halifax, Provincial Grand Master for Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward's Island," with the same powers and authority as are now exercised by Sir ALLAN MCNAB, Provincial Grand Master for Canada.

We have likewise been favored with an examination of Br. Starr's Commission as Grand Prior. It is from Scotland, and is directed by Admiral Sir DAVID MILNE, G. C. B., Grand Master of the Religious and Military Order of the Temple, " constituting and appointing the Hon. J. Leander Starr, Knight Commander of the Order, GRAND PRIOR for Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward's Island, with full powers to erect and consecrate, under his immediate authority, a GRAND PRIORY, to be called the Grand Priory of the Order of the Temple," for Nova Scotia, &c.

The respected Brother left for Halifax in the steamer Britannia, on the 3d ultimo, carrying with him the best wishes of his Brethren in Boston, for his future happiness and prosperity.

THE TRESTLE-BOARD.

If the voluntary testimony of competent Brethren, or the increasing demand for the work, is any evidence of its value as a text-book, and of its adaptation to the purposes for which it is designed, we certainly have no cause to complain. Since our last number was issued we have received the following from the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island.

The committee on the printed proceedings of the doings of the National Masonic Convention presented in their report the following on the Trestle-Board.

The Convention appointed" a committee to prepare and publish a text-book, to be called the Masonic Trestle-Board, which work is now completed agreeably to the rules and designs laid down by the Convention. A copy of the same has been examined by your committee, which has their cordial approbation, and it is earnestly recommended to this Grand Lodge for their approval, as a text book worthy the patronage of the Fraternity. Which recommendation was adopted.

Attest,

JAMES HUTCHISON, G. Secretary.

The following is from the Rambler, published at Charleston, S. C., under the editorial charge of R. W. Br. JOHN B. IRVING, M. D., Senior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of that State :

"MASONIC.-We return our thanks to R. W. Charles W. Moore, for a copy of the Masonic Trestle-Board, recently published by him.

"A particular examination of it has not altered, but confirmed the opinion we had previously expressed of its merits in the Rambler.

"The editorial remarks it contains are instructive-the different sections of the lectures are correctly arranged-the necessary illustrations are in few words, fitly chosen-and the Master who is 'apt to teach,' if he takes the Trestle-Board for his guide, will not wander from the ancient landmarks. The three Carpets are in good taste: they contain the different emblems, and that of each Degree being by itself on one page, is far more convenient than any we have before seen. We can discover no reason why the Trestle-Board should not be adopted as a Text Book in all our Lodges, and believe it will tend to produce greater uniformity in the work, as well as unite the Brotherhood in a general language."

[From the (Kentucky) Masonic Mirror.]

"THE MASONIC-TRESTLE BOARD.-A more acceptable new year's gift, we could not have desired. Thanks to our worthy Brother C. W. Moore, for a copy of so valuable a work.

"The TRESTLE-BOARD is a practical as well as comprehensive collection, of all the information necessary to a correct understanding of the duties of a Mason, authorized by, and prepared under the direction of the late National Masonic Convention, which assembled at Baltimore in May last. The principles, ceremonies, and illustrations, embodied in this work, are all consistent with the most assured and orthodox authorities, improved greatly in the style of composition, and adapted to the Fraternity of the United States. Much credit is due to the committee, by whom the work was prepared, for the excellent and able manner in which they have discharged their duty.

"Each degree, from the Entered Apprentice to the Past Master, is copiously illustrated, and all necessary information to render the industrious Mason proficient in his degree, is given in a practical and familiar style. The work also contains full and complete instructions, as to the ceremonies of constituting a Lodge, Installation, Laying Corner Stones, Funeral Processions, &c., all of which are arranged in excellent style, and calculated to be highly useful to the officers as well as Brethren of our Lodges. One most desirable feature in this work, is, the appearance of no more matter than is indispensibly necessary, being unincumbered with the great mass of useless matter with which so many of our manuals, are burdened. The work contains all that is necessary and no more.

It

is embellished with three elegant engraved plates, containing the emblems of each Degrec, arranged in a beautiful and appropriate style.

"We most cordially commend the work to every Brother, who may see this notice, and hope it will be introduced into our Lodges, to supersede those now in use. It may be had at the office of the Freemasons' Magazine, Boston, by forwarding one dollar, postage paid, to the Editor, who will send the work by mail, free of postage, to the subscriber. They may be had cheaper by the dozen or half dozen."

THE GRAND LODGE OF WISCONSIN.

We are gratified to learn that the growth of the Institution in this remote part of the country,-the extreme boundary of civilization,—has been such, within the last year or two, as to authorize the forming of a new and independent GRAND LODGE for the Territory. Our attentive correspondent, under date of Platteville, Jan. 20th, 1844, writes as follows:

"I have recently been on a visit to Madison city, the capital of this Territory, -to which place I was called to attend a Convention of Lodges to organize a GRAND LODGE for Wisconsin. The object was accomplished much to the satisfaction of all who were present. The Legislature was in session, and it brought together a number of Masons of high standing, most of whom came from 'beyond the flood,' and gave by their past integrity the highest proofs of their purity, and promise of future usefulness. Our Grand Secretary, (who is the Secretary of the Legislative Council,) will, in a week or two, give you an abstract of the proceedings, with a list of the officers."

We presume that immediate application for recognition and interchange of fraternal kindnesses, will be made to the Grand Lodges, and we cannot doubt that they will be most happy in extending the right-hand of fellowship to their young and promising sister.

AN IMPOSTOR.

THE Brethren in this city, and other parts of the country, have recently been grossly imposed upon by a person who is strolling through the States, exciting the commisseration of the Fraternity by his pitiful tales of misfortunes by sea and land-flood and fire. While here he called his name William Bird. In New York, he assumed the name of Roseberry. In Paris (France,) he passed under the cognomen of Rozenberg, a Prussian officer. He is about 55 or 60 years of age,-is an Englishman by birth,— talks fluently and plausibly, and is paralyzed on the left side. He has neither Grand Lodge Certificate nor Diploma,-and had the Brethren here and elsewhere adhered strictly to the regulation which in all cases demands such vouchers, they would not only have escaped the mortification of having been imposed upon by the unworthy, but would have saved their money for the relief of the truly deserving. Let them learn from experience, and be wise for the future.