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Article ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF THE EMULATION LODGE OF IMPROVEMENT. ← Page 2 of 2 Article ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF THE EMULATION LODGE OF IMPROVEMENT. Page 2 of 2 Article ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF THE EMULATION LODGE OF IMPROVEMENT. Page 2 of 2 Article FREEMASONRY IN TURKEY. Page 1 of 1
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Annual Festival Of The Emulation Lodge Of Improvement.
and himself ( Bro . Fenn ) . In thc course of nature they could not e _ pect _ to be very much longer amongst the brethren , for having served the lodge for more than a quarter of a century , they might perhaps wish to indulge in the repose of Bro . Murton . However , it must be a source of satisfaction to Bro . Murton , as it was to Bro . Richards and himself ( Bro . Fenn ) , that they had elected in Bro . Murton's place Bro . Sudlow . ( Loud cheers . ) He
need hardly say after that reception of the name that Bro . Sudlow was very popular among the brethren for the way in which he superintended the lodge . It was a great satisfaction to Bro . Richards and himself , who must in the course of time retire from their active labours , to know that the ancient traditions of the lodge were well kept up by the members of the Committee who succeeded them . When they had such brethren as Bros . Sudlow and Dawson
on the Committee they could have no fear for the future prosperity and success of the lodge , such prosperity and success as it had experienced in the past , and he had no doubt the good wishes of the brethren would be realised . The Rev . AMBROSE W . HALL , P . G . C , proposed "Success and Prosperity to the Lodge of Unions . " Although it had not been his privilege in any way to be associated with the lodge—and he regretted to say he could not enlarge
upon its merits , because he knew very little of it—he knew it was the mother of the Emulation Lodgeof Improvement , and it must be a good lodge when such a lodge had such a strength . Union meant strength , and the Masonic strength that was shown in the Lodgeof Emulation showed that the reputation of that old Craft must be good . If it brought perfect Masonic children to do the work in the way it had been done that evening , to inculcate those truths that were
taught by the beautiful rites and ceremonies of Masonry , when they came to consider how well and ably that had all been done , he was sure they would drink this toast heartily . A great deal might be said upon Masonry , a great deal more might be said upon Masonry as shown in their meeting that day , and he congratulated the Lodge of Emulation and the R . VV . G . M . in the chair upon the number of brethren who were present lo meet him , and he trusted his health would
be such that some day or other they might again see him in the chair . Bro . R . R . DAVIS , P . M . 25 G , replied . He regretted the absence of the Master of the Lodge of Unions , from circumstances beyond his own control . Had the VV . M . been there he would have replied more eloquently , though not more sincerely , than he ( Bro . Davis ) . The Lodge of Unions was of old age ; it was within two years of
completing its hundredth year , having been memorable for another circumstance—it was at that time the Times newspaper was established . There must be many circumstances in connection with the lodge of a gratif y ing nature . But there was nothing whicli had afforded its members more satisfaction than the knowledge that for 50 years this Emulation Lodgeof Improvement had worked under its banner . Every one connected with it was proud of the connection
that had existed within the two lodges , which he hoped would continue uninterrupted for many years . The Rev . R . J . SIMPSON , P . G . C , proposed "The Masonic Charities , " and observed that he need scarcely say how truly he sympathised with his old friend and brother Alason , the Grand Chaplain , in acknowledging the happiness they had derived from the hospitable reception they had met from the Lodge of Emulation ; but he would
add that " the feast of reason and the flow of the soul " which they supped upon before they sat down to banquet was a matter of great congratulation to every Mason in the room . The beautiful ritual was there delivered and rendered in a manner which must go home not only to the minds , but to the hearts of them all . But they must remember that the ritual was after all but the emblem of things present , the shadow of good things to come , and that the
real landmarks of Masonry might be classed under two heads—its principles and its Charities . Its principles were admirabl y illustrated in the ceremonies which they had seen that evening with so much pleasure . Its Charities were so well known that it would be simply platitude if he were for a moment to tell the oft-told tale not to young Masons , but to Masons older than himself and still more experienced . But he was sure the brethren would feel with him that the
Masonic Charities were the tiara—the tri p le tiara—which crowned the head of every true Mason . The Boys' School , theGirls' School , and the Institution for Aged Masons should be borne upon the head and heart ol every true Mason . He felt sure the present company most thoroughly appreciated and supported him . Of this fact many of the . brethren were perhaps well aware , that after paying off all the expenses of the lodge ] everything went
to the Masonic charities . That was the principle on which this Lodge of Emulation had acted , and therefore in that hall and under present circumstances the charities could not possibly be proposed more appropriately . He would fain hope that emulation might extend still further , and that other lodges might possibly find such a princi p le to be admirably calculated ^ to carry out Freemasonry in its entirety ; at any rate , the Lodge of Emulation in this respect as in others
set them all a bri g ht example . He need hardly say that no human institution was perfect , and probably it might be that the Masonic Charities were not quite perfect either . They should not enter for a moment upon anything like controversy ; it would be out of place and out of time ; but this he was sure they would all agree with him in , that they must try as far as possible to make their Masonic charities without reproach and to be carried out as justly ,
as benevolently , and as impartially as they possibly could ; and if onl y they worked out the principles of Masonry and the charities of Freemasonry as thoroughly as the Emulation Lodge worked out its beautiful ceremonies , he then was quite sure they would toast and drink " The Masonic Charities " with all the more gusto on the present occasion . He had great pleasure in coupling with this toast the name of Bro . Matthews , who held high provincial rank in a
foreign land , but who was thoroughl y at home with the brethren here in regard to their Masonic Charities . Bro . J . H . MATTHEWS in reply said he did not know why he had been asked to return thanks to this toast except that it was out of compliment to the R . W . brother in the chair , he ( Bro . Matthews ) holding past rank in Bengal , Since he had returned to England he had
taken considerable interest in the Charities of Masonry , and by good luck he had been made a member of the House Committee of one of the Charities . He was happy to say that this was not the occasion on which he had to ask the brethren to put tlieir hands in their pockets , and he would simply say that they must bear in mind that the festival of the Masor . j _ Charities were approaching—that the Bene-
Annual Festival Of The Emulation Lodge Of Improvement.
volent Institution was in February , the Girls in May , and the Boys' in June , and he hoped on those occasions the brethren would assist them to the best of their ability . There was one thing he thought would induce them to do so ; if they would kindly go down and visit thc Institutions there was nothimj in his opinion more calculated to incite them to putting tlieir hands in tlieir pockets than the satisfaction they would feel at the way the Institutions were
conducted . He regretted that his name had been coupled with the toast as he saw around him so many brethren who had sat on the Committees of the Charities many , many more years than he . Bro . J . C . PARKINSON , P . G . D ., proposed "The Health of the Working Officers of the Evening . " Speaking as an old working officer of this lodge , as a Mason of 25 years ' standing , as a member of this lodge for more than 20 years ,
it gave him profound gratification to be able to congratulate the brethren present and the Craft at large upon the unimpaired efficiency of this great Masonic Institution . And looking back on that lapse of time to which he had referred it seemed to him on anniversaries of that sort that it was fair to himself , and fair to those by whom ^ he was surrounded , fair to those to whom they might hope in some sort to give an example , or at all events to point a moral , to ask oneself
what was the outcome of the long period , of the great absorption of time and of other forms of expenditure—what was the outcome of 25 years of Masonic life ? Were he crossexamined upon the point he would divide his experience into three heads . He would say , first , Masonic life taught minutely and intimately the advantages and the working of constitutional government . Secondly , that it enabled the brother who entered the Craft to at once feel the
enormous advantage of association—the great boon of rubbing shoulders with his fellows , of ascertaining where he was , and what he was , in his own little world , perhaps of lessening his self-esteem , or of increasing his confidence . Thirdly , it gave the inestimable boon of ali the reverence and knowledge of one of the most beautiful rituals that had ever been created since language was formed . As regarded constitutional government , they all knew from thc moment
a man was initiated in a Freemasons' lodge he learned he was a mere cog in the wheel ; he was at the same time an individuality , and step by step , first , by his vote for the Master ; secondly , by the knowledge that his Master and Wardens represent the lodge of which he is a part , that he himself as soon as he votes for the Master has through his lodge a direct influence in the election of those brethren who represent him in Grand Lodge , and therefore that he is an
integral part of that great institution called the Craft ; thirdly , the advantage to individual character of becoming a Mason . He would ask them to picture to themselves a youth or young man belonging to no public school , having the advantage of no university education , belonging to no powerful family , having no strong connections and few friends ; such a man entering a Masonic lodge , from the moment of becoming a Master Mason and knowincr his
brethren , from that moment that friendless young man had opportunities which would have been denied him by the circumstances of life thitherto , and become a possessor of those great advantages which his fellows in the struggle of life had from family , education , or other circumstances . In that sense Masons were deeply indebted to their Order for a training and education which fitted them in a great measure for the battle of life . Coming to the last point—the great
advantage ot maintaining pure and unsullied that beautiful ritual which had been handed down to them , and which he prized and cherished as one of his most valued privilegesthey all knew one of the greatest of living orators owed much of his power over his fellow citizens to his close and intimate study of the Sacred Volume . Next to that Sacred Volume , as a mere matter of literary style—and he put it no higher—next to the Sacred Volume and the Ene-lish
Prayer Book he knew of no ritual and no variety of language in which the English tongue was set before them so purely or grandly . As a mere stud y of style for a man who had a taste for literary exercises , there could be no better study than the stately ritual of Freemasonry . In the race and work of life , in the trials which beset us all , in the hours of temptation , whether in prosperity or adversity , there were times when the word in season came in , and the
language they had learned in the Masonic lodge , though we might not have thought of the application of it when we heard it , had come home to us , and it would come home to the youngest brother , whether in . trials or success . There was no more powerful teaching or stronger appeal to the human heart than in our Masonic ritual . The brethren , the working officers of the Emulation Lodge of Improvement , were the conservators of that magnificent ritual . Long
might it be preserved by them and their successors ; and might the principles and tenets of Freemasonry which they had all been taught be transmitted pure and unsullied through these brethren and those whom they had taught from generation to generation . Bro . SUDLOW , S . VV . for the evening , in reply said it must be very gratifying to the members of thc lodge who had worked : sections that night to have listened to the
commendations which had been so freely expressed on their working , and he was quite sure they felt amply repaid for any trouble they had taken in rendering themselves perfect . It was a very proud thing to be chosen to exemplify the working of this lodge at their annual festivals . At the same time he was quite sure the brethren who had worked that night did not wish to make it too long a habit , but were glad to see their places filled with other brethren , and
among those brethren would be found the names of some who had come before them that evening as candidates for joining . If those brethren would but attend they might by that means catch something of the spirit of emulation . Bro . J . SAMPSON PEIRCE , P . G . D ., proposed "The Stewards . " The toasts that had been given as yet had not forgotten any one who ought to have honour in connection with the Emulation Lodge of Improvement . The Charities
had not been forgotten ; the Masonic ritual had had every honour paid to it by the last speaker ; and he ( Bro . Peirce ) now stood at the fag end of the evening with all the wind taken probably , but he hoped not altogether , out of his sails when he proposed one more toast . Instead of going again upstairs he was going to bring the brethren down into that very room . He was not allowed , because it had been
already spoken to so abl y and admirably , to say more about the working upstairs ; but what he had to say dealt with the working in the banquet room and at the banquet table . At that table they had had abundance of hospitality , not the least probably of the great Masonic virtues of which they were all possessors . The brother who preceded him spoke of being
Annual Festival Of The Emulation Lodge Of Improvement.
enrolled in this grand old lodge of improvement many years ago . He ( Bro . Peirce ) was proud to say he was enrolled among its members in 1 S 59 , ancl perhaps hc had not becn so good a member of it as the lodge deserves . Still he was not unmindful of those who after their work upstairs came down stairs . They had to deal with good and true Masons who knew tlieir business down below as well as those above . He had to propose "The Stewards of the
Emulation Lodge of Improvement , " for he intended to couple with it thc health—might he be allowed to say the renewed health , and the continuence of renewed healthof the Secretary , Bro . F . R . Spaull , who he feared was not that day in the health they would be most delighted and glad to see him in . Bro . Spaull was a most valued member of thc lodge , as they all knew , and if he ( Bro . Peirce ) were to speak a volume or indulge in anv amount of nraisc . it
would not endear him to the brethren more than he was endeared already . Might the lodge lodge never be worse served than it wasthatday ; because he was quite convinced in bis own mind that there would not be a visitor or member sitting there who did not feel in his heart that he owed some debt of gratitude , be it great or be it small , to those who had looked to their creature comforts on the present occasion . Bro . F . R . SPAULL , Sec , in reply said this was thc first
time he had had the honour of replying as Secretary of the lodge . Thc worthy brother who proposed the toast of the Stewards had very kindly said he wished him better health . He ( Bro . Spaull ) also wished he was in better health . As for the Stewards he was sure when they saw what they had becn instrumental in bringing together on this occasion they would be satisfied with what they had done . One remark he should like to make . Bro . Sudlow had spoken of the brethren attending the lodge and trying to emulate
their predecessors . It was when the late Grand Secretary , Bro . John Hervey , was presented with a testimonial through the hands of the Earl of Carnarvon , that he ( Bro . Spaull ) first came in . He little knew then that he should work up . He did however work up until he attained the high position he was so proud of that evening . He begged that the brethren would attend the lodge and try to emulate the conduct of their predecessors . GRAND TYLER then gave the Tyler ' s toast and thc brethren separted .
Freemasonry In Turkey.
FREEMASONRY IN TURKEY .
In Constantinople there are two English lodges and one Irish lodge—thc Oriental , which is the mother lodge ot Freemasonry in that capital ; the Bulwer , founded by the famous diplomatist ; and the Leinster . Until within a few years past there was also a Scotch lodge , the Caledonian ; but ,
owing to certain administrative measures adopted by the Turkish Admiralty , the British colony was so thinned out that that lodge had to amalgamate with the Irish lodge . At the last meeting of the Bulwer Lodge , held on the 13 th ult ., Bro . Otto Dingier was unanimously elected as VV . M . for thc ensuing year , in place of the VV . M ., Bro . B . H . Hanly . The lodge being closed the brethren adjourned
for refreshment . The W . M ., Bro . B . H . HANLY , in proposing the toast of "The Sultan , " remarked upon the great administrative capacity , love of work , and the marvellous tact which distinguished the Sultan . But his Imperial Majesty had a far higher title to the admiration of Freemasons , for his Majesty had constantly—and more especiall y recently , in the matter of the earthquake at Tchesmeh—civen nroofs that he had
at heart thefundamental principle of Freemasonry—Charity . Political questions being interdicted in a meeting of English Masons , he could not go into particulars as to his Majesty ' s diplomatic qualities ; but perhaps the brethren present would allow him to remark that the promotion of W . Bro . Woods Pasha —( loud applause)—proved that the sympathy which existed between Turkey and England at the time of the Crimean War still existed . That promotion occurred
at a time when Englishmen had commenced to entertain some doubts on the subject , and it had dissipated those doubts not only in Constantinople , but elsewhere . Tho honour conferred upon Woods Pasha , however , had been well earned by many years of loyal service . ( Applause . ) Therefore , in proposing the toast of the Sultan the W . M . called upon Bro . Woods Pasha to respond . The toast was drunk with great enthusiasm .
W . Bro . WOODS PASHA in reply said that he was not only surprised but overwhelmed by the honour whicli had been conferred upon him . He could , however , say from his own personal experience , for since his promotion he had had the privilege of having interviews with his Imperial Majesty , that what Bro . Hanly had said about the Sultan's personal qualities was true . He could also add that what had struck him most was the charming affability of the
Sultan and his marvellous knowledge of details on technical questions . He was sure that the only wish of his Majesty was that his people , without distinction of race or religion , should be prosperous . He felt also sure that his Imperial Majesty would be pleased to hear that the brethren of the Bulwer Lodge , comprising as it did so many different nationalities—he could count nine amongst those presenthad drunk to his health so sincerely and so enthusiastically .
He thanked the brethren , as an officer in the service of the Turkish government , for the toast which they had just drunk , and in conclusion he thanked the W . M . for the signal honour he had done him in calling upon him to respond to such a toast and for the fraternal remarks he had made about him . This speech was loudly applauded and after the usual toasts the brethren separated , thoroughly satisfied with their evening ' s entertainment .
Baron Reichenbach , a German , alter devoting some years to the study of the subject , maintains that improperly made or placed beds will shorten man ' s life . If a mere magnet exercises an influence on sensitive persons , the earth ' s magnetism must certainly make itself felt on the life of the nervous . While sleeping , the feet should always be towards the equator , and the body "true as the needle to the pole . " This position of the body is of the utmost importance for the proper circulation of the blood ,
and many disturbances in the organism have been cured by simply placing the bolster in a different point of the compass from that it had occupied . The late Dr . Elschwester , of Magdeburg , who died recently at the age of 109 years , is an example of having put into practice this theory . The most unhealthy position , we are told , is when the body lies due east and west . Some observers assure us that to sleep in such a posture is tantamount to committing suicide , and that diseases are often aggravated by deviations from the proper postures .
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Annual Festival Of The Emulation Lodge Of Improvement.
and himself ( Bro . Fenn ) . In thc course of nature they could not e _ pect _ to be very much longer amongst the brethren , for having served the lodge for more than a quarter of a century , they might perhaps wish to indulge in the repose of Bro . Murton . However , it must be a source of satisfaction to Bro . Murton , as it was to Bro . Richards and himself ( Bro . Fenn ) , that they had elected in Bro . Murton's place Bro . Sudlow . ( Loud cheers . ) He
need hardly say after that reception of the name that Bro . Sudlow was very popular among the brethren for the way in which he superintended the lodge . It was a great satisfaction to Bro . Richards and himself , who must in the course of time retire from their active labours , to know that the ancient traditions of the lodge were well kept up by the members of the Committee who succeeded them . When they had such brethren as Bros . Sudlow and Dawson
on the Committee they could have no fear for the future prosperity and success of the lodge , such prosperity and success as it had experienced in the past , and he had no doubt the good wishes of the brethren would be realised . The Rev . AMBROSE W . HALL , P . G . C , proposed "Success and Prosperity to the Lodge of Unions . " Although it had not been his privilege in any way to be associated with the lodge—and he regretted to say he could not enlarge
upon its merits , because he knew very little of it—he knew it was the mother of the Emulation Lodgeof Improvement , and it must be a good lodge when such a lodge had such a strength . Union meant strength , and the Masonic strength that was shown in the Lodgeof Emulation showed that the reputation of that old Craft must be good . If it brought perfect Masonic children to do the work in the way it had been done that evening , to inculcate those truths that were
taught by the beautiful rites and ceremonies of Masonry , when they came to consider how well and ably that had all been done , he was sure they would drink this toast heartily . A great deal might be said upon Masonry , a great deal more might be said upon Masonry as shown in their meeting that day , and he congratulated the Lodge of Emulation and the R . VV . G . M . in the chair upon the number of brethren who were present lo meet him , and he trusted his health would
be such that some day or other they might again see him in the chair . Bro . R . R . DAVIS , P . M . 25 G , replied . He regretted the absence of the Master of the Lodge of Unions , from circumstances beyond his own control . Had the VV . M . been there he would have replied more eloquently , though not more sincerely , than he ( Bro . Davis ) . The Lodge of Unions was of old age ; it was within two years of
completing its hundredth year , having been memorable for another circumstance—it was at that time the Times newspaper was established . There must be many circumstances in connection with the lodge of a gratif y ing nature . But there was nothing whicli had afforded its members more satisfaction than the knowledge that for 50 years this Emulation Lodgeof Improvement had worked under its banner . Every one connected with it was proud of the connection
that had existed within the two lodges , which he hoped would continue uninterrupted for many years . The Rev . R . J . SIMPSON , P . G . C , proposed "The Masonic Charities , " and observed that he need scarcely say how truly he sympathised with his old friend and brother Alason , the Grand Chaplain , in acknowledging the happiness they had derived from the hospitable reception they had met from the Lodge of Emulation ; but he would
add that " the feast of reason and the flow of the soul " which they supped upon before they sat down to banquet was a matter of great congratulation to every Mason in the room . The beautiful ritual was there delivered and rendered in a manner which must go home not only to the minds , but to the hearts of them all . But they must remember that the ritual was after all but the emblem of things present , the shadow of good things to come , and that the
real landmarks of Masonry might be classed under two heads—its principles and its Charities . Its principles were admirabl y illustrated in the ceremonies which they had seen that evening with so much pleasure . Its Charities were so well known that it would be simply platitude if he were for a moment to tell the oft-told tale not to young Masons , but to Masons older than himself and still more experienced . But he was sure the brethren would feel with him that the
Masonic Charities were the tiara—the tri p le tiara—which crowned the head of every true Mason . The Boys' School , theGirls' School , and the Institution for Aged Masons should be borne upon the head and heart ol every true Mason . He felt sure the present company most thoroughly appreciated and supported him . Of this fact many of the . brethren were perhaps well aware , that after paying off all the expenses of the lodge ] everything went
to the Masonic charities . That was the principle on which this Lodge of Emulation had acted , and therefore in that hall and under present circumstances the charities could not possibly be proposed more appropriately . He would fain hope that emulation might extend still further , and that other lodges might possibly find such a princi p le to be admirably calculated ^ to carry out Freemasonry in its entirety ; at any rate , the Lodge of Emulation in this respect as in others
set them all a bri g ht example . He need hardly say that no human institution was perfect , and probably it might be that the Masonic Charities were not quite perfect either . They should not enter for a moment upon anything like controversy ; it would be out of place and out of time ; but this he was sure they would all agree with him in , that they must try as far as possible to make their Masonic charities without reproach and to be carried out as justly ,
as benevolently , and as impartially as they possibly could ; and if onl y they worked out the principles of Masonry and the charities of Freemasonry as thoroughly as the Emulation Lodge worked out its beautiful ceremonies , he then was quite sure they would toast and drink " The Masonic Charities " with all the more gusto on the present occasion . He had great pleasure in coupling with this toast the name of Bro . Matthews , who held high provincial rank in a
foreign land , but who was thoroughl y at home with the brethren here in regard to their Masonic Charities . Bro . J . H . MATTHEWS in reply said he did not know why he had been asked to return thanks to this toast except that it was out of compliment to the R . W . brother in the chair , he ( Bro . Matthews ) holding past rank in Bengal , Since he had returned to England he had
taken considerable interest in the Charities of Masonry , and by good luck he had been made a member of the House Committee of one of the Charities . He was happy to say that this was not the occasion on which he had to ask the brethren to put tlieir hands in their pockets , and he would simply say that they must bear in mind that the festival of the Masor . j _ Charities were approaching—that the Bene-
Annual Festival Of The Emulation Lodge Of Improvement.
volent Institution was in February , the Girls in May , and the Boys' in June , and he hoped on those occasions the brethren would assist them to the best of their ability . There was one thing he thought would induce them to do so ; if they would kindly go down and visit thc Institutions there was nothimj in his opinion more calculated to incite them to putting tlieir hands in tlieir pockets than the satisfaction they would feel at the way the Institutions were
conducted . He regretted that his name had been coupled with the toast as he saw around him so many brethren who had sat on the Committees of the Charities many , many more years than he . Bro . J . C . PARKINSON , P . G . D ., proposed "The Health of the Working Officers of the Evening . " Speaking as an old working officer of this lodge , as a Mason of 25 years ' standing , as a member of this lodge for more than 20 years ,
it gave him profound gratification to be able to congratulate the brethren present and the Craft at large upon the unimpaired efficiency of this great Masonic Institution . And looking back on that lapse of time to which he had referred it seemed to him on anniversaries of that sort that it was fair to himself , and fair to those by whom ^ he was surrounded , fair to those to whom they might hope in some sort to give an example , or at all events to point a moral , to ask oneself
what was the outcome of the long period , of the great absorption of time and of other forms of expenditure—what was the outcome of 25 years of Masonic life ? Were he crossexamined upon the point he would divide his experience into three heads . He would say , first , Masonic life taught minutely and intimately the advantages and the working of constitutional government . Secondly , that it enabled the brother who entered the Craft to at once feel the
enormous advantage of association—the great boon of rubbing shoulders with his fellows , of ascertaining where he was , and what he was , in his own little world , perhaps of lessening his self-esteem , or of increasing his confidence . Thirdly , it gave the inestimable boon of ali the reverence and knowledge of one of the most beautiful rituals that had ever been created since language was formed . As regarded constitutional government , they all knew from thc moment
a man was initiated in a Freemasons' lodge he learned he was a mere cog in the wheel ; he was at the same time an individuality , and step by step , first , by his vote for the Master ; secondly , by the knowledge that his Master and Wardens represent the lodge of which he is a part , that he himself as soon as he votes for the Master has through his lodge a direct influence in the election of those brethren who represent him in Grand Lodge , and therefore that he is an
integral part of that great institution called the Craft ; thirdly , the advantage to individual character of becoming a Mason . He would ask them to picture to themselves a youth or young man belonging to no public school , having the advantage of no university education , belonging to no powerful family , having no strong connections and few friends ; such a man entering a Masonic lodge , from the moment of becoming a Master Mason and knowincr his
brethren , from that moment that friendless young man had opportunities which would have been denied him by the circumstances of life thitherto , and become a possessor of those great advantages which his fellows in the struggle of life had from family , education , or other circumstances . In that sense Masons were deeply indebted to their Order for a training and education which fitted them in a great measure for the battle of life . Coming to the last point—the great
advantage ot maintaining pure and unsullied that beautiful ritual which had been handed down to them , and which he prized and cherished as one of his most valued privilegesthey all knew one of the greatest of living orators owed much of his power over his fellow citizens to his close and intimate study of the Sacred Volume . Next to that Sacred Volume , as a mere matter of literary style—and he put it no higher—next to the Sacred Volume and the Ene-lish
Prayer Book he knew of no ritual and no variety of language in which the English tongue was set before them so purely or grandly . As a mere stud y of style for a man who had a taste for literary exercises , there could be no better study than the stately ritual of Freemasonry . In the race and work of life , in the trials which beset us all , in the hours of temptation , whether in prosperity or adversity , there were times when the word in season came in , and the
language they had learned in the Masonic lodge , though we might not have thought of the application of it when we heard it , had come home to us , and it would come home to the youngest brother , whether in . trials or success . There was no more powerful teaching or stronger appeal to the human heart than in our Masonic ritual . The brethren , the working officers of the Emulation Lodge of Improvement , were the conservators of that magnificent ritual . Long
might it be preserved by them and their successors ; and might the principles and tenets of Freemasonry which they had all been taught be transmitted pure and unsullied through these brethren and those whom they had taught from generation to generation . Bro . SUDLOW , S . VV . for the evening , in reply said it must be very gratifying to the members of thc lodge who had worked : sections that night to have listened to the
commendations which had been so freely expressed on their working , and he was quite sure they felt amply repaid for any trouble they had taken in rendering themselves perfect . It was a very proud thing to be chosen to exemplify the working of this lodge at their annual festivals . At the same time he was quite sure the brethren who had worked that night did not wish to make it too long a habit , but were glad to see their places filled with other brethren , and
among those brethren would be found the names of some who had come before them that evening as candidates for joining . If those brethren would but attend they might by that means catch something of the spirit of emulation . Bro . J . SAMPSON PEIRCE , P . G . D ., proposed "The Stewards . " The toasts that had been given as yet had not forgotten any one who ought to have honour in connection with the Emulation Lodge of Improvement . The Charities
had not been forgotten ; the Masonic ritual had had every honour paid to it by the last speaker ; and he ( Bro . Peirce ) now stood at the fag end of the evening with all the wind taken probably , but he hoped not altogether , out of his sails when he proposed one more toast . Instead of going again upstairs he was going to bring the brethren down into that very room . He was not allowed , because it had been
already spoken to so abl y and admirably , to say more about the working upstairs ; but what he had to say dealt with the working in the banquet room and at the banquet table . At that table they had had abundance of hospitality , not the least probably of the great Masonic virtues of which they were all possessors . The brother who preceded him spoke of being
Annual Festival Of The Emulation Lodge Of Improvement.
enrolled in this grand old lodge of improvement many years ago . He ( Bro . Peirce ) was proud to say he was enrolled among its members in 1 S 59 , ancl perhaps hc had not becn so good a member of it as the lodge deserves . Still he was not unmindful of those who after their work upstairs came down stairs . They had to deal with good and true Masons who knew tlieir business down below as well as those above . He had to propose "The Stewards of the
Emulation Lodge of Improvement , " for he intended to couple with it thc health—might he be allowed to say the renewed health , and the continuence of renewed healthof the Secretary , Bro . F . R . Spaull , who he feared was not that day in the health they would be most delighted and glad to see him in . Bro . Spaull was a most valued member of thc lodge , as they all knew , and if he ( Bro . Peirce ) were to speak a volume or indulge in anv amount of nraisc . it
would not endear him to the brethren more than he was endeared already . Might the lodge lodge never be worse served than it wasthatday ; because he was quite convinced in bis own mind that there would not be a visitor or member sitting there who did not feel in his heart that he owed some debt of gratitude , be it great or be it small , to those who had looked to their creature comforts on the present occasion . Bro . F . R . SPAULL , Sec , in reply said this was thc first
time he had had the honour of replying as Secretary of the lodge . Thc worthy brother who proposed the toast of the Stewards had very kindly said he wished him better health . He ( Bro . Spaull ) also wished he was in better health . As for the Stewards he was sure when they saw what they had becn instrumental in bringing together on this occasion they would be satisfied with what they had done . One remark he should like to make . Bro . Sudlow had spoken of the brethren attending the lodge and trying to emulate
their predecessors . It was when the late Grand Secretary , Bro . John Hervey , was presented with a testimonial through the hands of the Earl of Carnarvon , that he ( Bro . Spaull ) first came in . He little knew then that he should work up . He did however work up until he attained the high position he was so proud of that evening . He begged that the brethren would attend the lodge and try to emulate the conduct of their predecessors . GRAND TYLER then gave the Tyler ' s toast and thc brethren separted .
Freemasonry In Turkey.
FREEMASONRY IN TURKEY .
In Constantinople there are two English lodges and one Irish lodge—thc Oriental , which is the mother lodge ot Freemasonry in that capital ; the Bulwer , founded by the famous diplomatist ; and the Leinster . Until within a few years past there was also a Scotch lodge , the Caledonian ; but ,
owing to certain administrative measures adopted by the Turkish Admiralty , the British colony was so thinned out that that lodge had to amalgamate with the Irish lodge . At the last meeting of the Bulwer Lodge , held on the 13 th ult ., Bro . Otto Dingier was unanimously elected as VV . M . for thc ensuing year , in place of the VV . M ., Bro . B . H . Hanly . The lodge being closed the brethren adjourned
for refreshment . The W . M ., Bro . B . H . HANLY , in proposing the toast of "The Sultan , " remarked upon the great administrative capacity , love of work , and the marvellous tact which distinguished the Sultan . But his Imperial Majesty had a far higher title to the admiration of Freemasons , for his Majesty had constantly—and more especiall y recently , in the matter of the earthquake at Tchesmeh—civen nroofs that he had
at heart thefundamental principle of Freemasonry—Charity . Political questions being interdicted in a meeting of English Masons , he could not go into particulars as to his Majesty ' s diplomatic qualities ; but perhaps the brethren present would allow him to remark that the promotion of W . Bro . Woods Pasha —( loud applause)—proved that the sympathy which existed between Turkey and England at the time of the Crimean War still existed . That promotion occurred
at a time when Englishmen had commenced to entertain some doubts on the subject , and it had dissipated those doubts not only in Constantinople , but elsewhere . Tho honour conferred upon Woods Pasha , however , had been well earned by many years of loyal service . ( Applause . ) Therefore , in proposing the toast of the Sultan the W . M . called upon Bro . Woods Pasha to respond . The toast was drunk with great enthusiasm .
W . Bro . WOODS PASHA in reply said that he was not only surprised but overwhelmed by the honour whicli had been conferred upon him . He could , however , say from his own personal experience , for since his promotion he had had the privilege of having interviews with his Imperial Majesty , that what Bro . Hanly had said about the Sultan's personal qualities was true . He could also add that what had struck him most was the charming affability of the
Sultan and his marvellous knowledge of details on technical questions . He was sure that the only wish of his Majesty was that his people , without distinction of race or religion , should be prosperous . He felt also sure that his Imperial Majesty would be pleased to hear that the brethren of the Bulwer Lodge , comprising as it did so many different nationalities—he could count nine amongst those presenthad drunk to his health so sincerely and so enthusiastically .
He thanked the brethren , as an officer in the service of the Turkish government , for the toast which they had just drunk , and in conclusion he thanked the W . M . for the signal honour he had done him in calling upon him to respond to such a toast and for the fraternal remarks he had made about him . This speech was loudly applauded and after the usual toasts the brethren separated , thoroughly satisfied with their evening ' s entertainment .
Baron Reichenbach , a German , alter devoting some years to the study of the subject , maintains that improperly made or placed beds will shorten man ' s life . If a mere magnet exercises an influence on sensitive persons , the earth ' s magnetism must certainly make itself felt on the life of the nervous . While sleeping , the feet should always be towards the equator , and the body "true as the needle to the pole . " This position of the body is of the utmost importance for the proper circulation of the blood ,
and many disturbances in the organism have been cured by simply placing the bolster in a different point of the compass from that it had occupied . The late Dr . Elschwester , of Magdeburg , who died recently at the age of 109 years , is an example of having put into practice this theory . The most unhealthy position , we are told , is when the body lies due east and west . Some observers assure us that to sleep in such a posture is tantamount to committing suicide , and that diseases are often aggravated by deviations from the proper postures .