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the Brethren, some of whom are gone, while others live; I have received many tokens of their kind regard. During that period, I have paid some attention, as my Brethren all know, to the theory of Masonry; but have always found the practical part of Masonry, the hardest and most difficult to learn; and should I be inquired of, how that can be overcome and made less difficult, I know of no better answer or advice to give, than to set your standard of morals high. All aim for it, all strive to win the prize; and if any should seem to come short of it, as you probably will, it may afford you some satisfaction that God looks at the motive; and that, although David was not permitted to build the temple, yet he was blessed because he had it in his heart so to do.

On motion it was "voted that the Grand Lodge continue for another year their subscription for the Masonic Journal, published at Brunswick, for each Lodge in the State." This is patronage well bestowed towards sustaining a creditable Masonic periodical in the jurisdiction.

Seven Charters were granted to new Lodges. The following are the Grand Officers for the ensuing year:

Jabez True, Grand Master, Bangor; Hiram Chase, Deputy G. Master, Belfast; Isaac Downing, Sen. G. Warden, Kennebunk; William Allen, Jun. G. Warden, Portland; Moses Dodge, Grand Treasurer, Portland; Ira Berry, Grand Secretary, Portland; Chas. B. Smith, Corresponding G. Secretary, Portland.

The most important action was respecting the new Grand Lodge of Canada. By a test vote, it refused to recognize that body, and referred the subject to the next Grand Lodge,-a very wise and appropriate decision. The report of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence which treats of the subject shows that its authors had given the subject of the Independent Grand Lodge very little consideration, and if they knew much about it, they were very careful to conceal it.

There are in Maine nearly one hundred Lodges.

"Now, therefore, the King laid the foundations of the temple very deep in the ground, and the materials were strong stones, such as would resist the force of time; these were to unite themselves with the earth, and become a basis and a new foundation for that superstructure which was to be erected over it; they were to be so strong, in order to sustain with ease those vast superstructures and precious ornaments, whose own weight was to be not less than the weight of those other high and heavy buildings which the King designed to be very ornamental and magnificent."

NARROW ESCAPE.-COURTESIES TO A BROTHER IN A FOREIGN LAND.

The following paragraph appeared in the Boston Journal not long since:

"The Lieut. Governor of Nova Scotia presented at Halifax, on the 25th of April, a gold chronometer to Hugh Cameron, Master, and a gold patent lever watch to George Duffote, Mate, of the British schooner Mars, of that port, as a testimonial from the citizens of the United States to those gentlemen, for saving Capt. John T. Philbrick, of the late American schooner State of Maine, from the wreck of that vessel. Two men, composing the crew of the Mars, are to have silver medals."

The following interesting statement respecting the case referred to above was subsequently published in the Masonic Journal: FRANKFORT, March 8, 1856.

BRO. CHASE. I have thought a brief narrative of my sufferings and Providential deliverance from death by starvation and exposure, also the kind treatment from Brothers in a foreign land, may be read with interest by your readers.

I sailed from this port Master of the Schr. "State of Maine," on the 4th day of January last, bound for the West Indies with a cargo of lumber. On the second day out we encountered a severe snow storm with the wind blowing a gale from the N. E. At ten o'clock at night, the wind having increased to almost a hurricane, my vessel capsized, at which time my mate and steward were washed overboard. In a short time the deck load fetched away together with the masts and spars causing her to right full of water. The night was extremely cold, and being without shel ter, wet, tired, and hungry, inevitable death seemed to be our lot. A small portion of the jib remained attached to the bowsprit, with this and a few spikes, obtained by ripping up the deck plank, enabled me and my men (four in all) to form a rude shelter under the topgallant forecastle, in which we took refuge for the night, the sea all this time making a complete breach over us. In this situation we remained five days without food or water, except about three pounds of raw salt pork which floated out the fore scuttle. About 11 o'clock, P. M. of the fourth day I saw a light which I hailed, and was answered by a gun. I requested the Capt. to lay by the wreck and rescue myself and fellow sufferers, which to us seemed almost impossible, as the gale still continued. In a few moments the light was lost sight of, and we then thought we were left to perish on the wreck; at daylight the next morning we again saw the vessel (which proved to be the schooner Mars, Capt. Cameron, of Halifax), bearing down for us. The sea was running

mountain high, and our hope of deliverance was indeed small. After repeated trials I succeeded in getting on board the Mars, by being hauled about sixty fathoms through the water in a bowline, being the only one saved. One man was lost after jumping overboard with a rope about him, the remaining two were left to perish on the wreck, it being impossible to save them. Great credit is due to Capt. Cameron and his noble crew for their perseverance and bravery. For seventeen hours after being hailed, he lay by the wreck continually renewing his trials before he succeeded in securing me from a terrible death. My hands, feet and legs were very badly frozen, my legs so swollen they measured just above the ankle twenty three inches. Everything was done on board that could be, to make me comfortable; the vessel was quite small, and not having on board the proper remedies, I suffered greatly for seven days, when we arrived at Halifax. I was then placed under the care of the American Consul (Albert Pillsbury of Machias) whom I found to be a Brother. He took especial interest in my distressing condition, and provided me with comfortable rooms at a first class hotel, also with physicians and attendants, for which I shall always hold him in grateful remembrance. Every attention that heart could wish was paid me by the Consul and Masons of the city, particularly by members of the Scotch Lodges. I was entirely destitute of clothing, without money, unable to walk or help myself in any manner, still I found myself among Brothers and friends, who were always ready to administer to my wants. The Scotch Lodges contributed very generously to my pecuniary wants. Upwards of $100 in money, a good fit-out of clothing, (about $60 worth) medical attendance, hotel expenses, &c., &c., all furnished by warm and sympathizing Masons.

I would make particular mention of the many favors received from the wives and daughters of Masons. Also, of Mrs. Johnson, (landlady of the Mansion House) who was my daily attendant, M. W. Keith, Prov. G. M. of Nova Scotia, Bro. John Richardson, M. of Burns Lodge, Bro. John B. Fay, M. of Keith Lodge, Bro. E. I. Lordly, M. of Athole Lodge, Bros. Williamson, Saybold, Dr. Stephen Foss, and many others who were untiring in their acts of kindness. To all of these, and the Fraternity of Halifax, I would tender my heartfelt thanks for their kindness, sympathy, and aid manifested toward me while among them.

In behalf of Howard Lodge, No. 69 (of which I am a member), I would express our deepest gratitude and thanks to our Brethren in Halifax for their kindness and liberality towards their unfortunate and fraternal friend, J. T. PHILBRICK.

The subjoined letters were laid before the Grand Lodge of Maine at its recent session:

HALIFAX, February 12, 1856.

DEAR SIR-The Brethren of Burns Lodge, sensible of the

Brother JOHN T. PHILBRICK,

21-VOL. II. NO. IV.

deplorable and distressing situation you were lately placed in by the loss of your vessel at sea: as a small token of their sympathy, I enclose ten pounds for your acceptance-hoping this will be of some service to you in defraying your expenses to your native town.

In behalf of the Brethren of Burns Lodge, I remain, dear Sir and Brother, JOHN RICHARDSON, W. M.

HALIFAX, 12th February, 1856.

Captain PHILBRICK, Mansion House.

DEAR SIR AND BROTHER-It affords me much pleasure, on behalf of the Brethren of Athole Lodge, 361, of this city, to hand you the enclosed sum of Thirty Dollars, voted to you from the funds of the Lodge at their regular meeting last evening. It was a matter of regret with the Brethren, that the low state of our finances would not admit of a larger amount. Understanding however that the Brethren of the other Lodges in the city are coming forward to evince their sympathy for your condition, I trust you will not find yourself in want of any thing until you reach your more immediate friends. Your sufferings and providential escape from death, drew forth the unanimous sympathy of the Brethren to yourself, and gratitude to the Great Architect of the Universe for his mercies towards you. That you yourself may not fail to acknowledge his goodness and mercy so signally manifested, that He may bring you again in safety to your friends, aud finally to the Grand Lodge above, is the sincere wish of Yours fraternally, E. I. LORDLY, W. M. Athole Lodge, 361.

MASONIC HALL, HALIFAX, February 13, 1856. DEAR SIR AND BROTHER-I have much pleasure in enclosing you the sum of seven pounds ten shillings [£7 10 0] voted by the members of Keith Lodge, No. 365, at their regular meeting, for a fund in connection with the Burns and Athole Lodges, towards defraying your expenses in Halifax, and assistance in returning to your friends in the United States. I beg to subscribe myself"

Fraternally yours, JOHN B. FAY, Master Keith Lodge. To J. T. PHILBRICK, Esq., Mansion House, Halifax.

When Solomon had completed all this in twenty years' time, because Hiram, King of Tyre, had contributed a great deal of gold and more silver to these buildings, as, also, cedar wood and fire wood, he also rewarded Hiram with rich presents; corn he sent him, also, year by year, and wine and oil, which were the principal things that he stood in need of, because he inhabited an island as we have already said. And besides these, he granted him certain cities of Galilee, twenty in number, that lay not far from Tyre.-JOSEPHUS.

FROM THE HOME JOURNAL.

ALONE.

By M. N. C. Hosmer.

IN nevermore there is despair;

In fare-thee-well, a dirge-like tone;

But agony, too hard to bear,

Breathes in that mournful word-alone!

It tells of broken hearts, and ties,

Long silent lips, and curtained eyes;

Of vanished birds, abandoned nests,

And white hands clasped on silent breasts.

Alone! alone! what echoes wake,
In memory's cavern, at the sound;
While phantoms their appearance make,
As if the lost again were found.
But ah! how desolate the thought
Such figures are of moonlight wrought:
Alone! alone! no sadder word,

By mortal ear, is ever heard.

REQUIREMENTS OF THE GRAND LODGE.

As the time for the election of officers and the meeting of the Grand Lodge is approaching, some information respecting those matters, will not be uninteresting.

WHO SHALL BE ELIGIBLE TO THE OFFICE OF W. M.

No brother shall be eligible to the office of Master of a Lodge, unless he shall previously have been a Warden of a regular Lodge, except in case of the formation of a new Lodge, when no past or former Warden can be found among its members.

[Art. V., Sec. 3, Constitution of Grand Lodge.]

ELECTION OF MASTERS AND WARDENS.

The Master and the Senior and Junior Wardens shall be annually elected by ballot at the regular communication of the Lodge next preceding the festival of St. John, the Evangelist, unless otherwise ordered by the Grand Lodge, or the Grand Master during vacation. They shall hold their offices for one year, and until others are elected and installed in their stead. Each member of the Lodge in good standing, shall be entitled to one vote, and, in case of a tie, the presiding officer shall have an additional vote.

[Art. V., Sec. 4.]

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