THIRDLY. As many of our numbers run very low, and some are altogether out of print, although second editions have been occasionally published, we have collected a few perfect sets, that Brethren anxious to have complete series, may be accommodated; the residue will remain with our publishers, to aid in completing the volumes of such Brethren, as may require odd numbers.

FOURTHLY. Our New Series is intended as a boon to our newly-initiated Brethren, to many of whom, perhaps, the expense of nine volumes may be inconvenient; we therefore, by giving them a new starting-point, combine economy with utility, while our former subscribers, finding that, with the New Series, there will be no deviation from the former, will probably continue their support in favour of their friends-the old conductors.

We hope, that with the experience of the past, those whom we desire to hold in reverence and respect, will become also entitled to our affectionate esteem.

To render our New Series in some measure a mirror of the past, we shall briefly give a chronological view of the old one.

1834. The first volume appeared,—The first number contained an account of the presentation of a splended jewel to that truly bright ornament of the order, "The late Earl of Durham," by the Masons of his native province, at a Provincial Grand Lodge held at Lambton Castle on the 21st of January, during which his lordship delivered that eloquent Masonic address, from which we have quoted, as a standing text-a most striking extract.

The articles "On Freemasonry" met with the most general praise, and the poetical department and prose tales were much admired.—The anniversary festivals of the birth-day of H. R. H. the Duke of Sussex -the Grand Lodge and the Schools-were noticed, and the proceedings reported at length. The provincial and foreign Masonic intelligence formed a novel feature, by which Masons, in all distances, were made to enjoy the value and importance of each others actions.-Bro. J. Lee Stevens joined our band of contributors, among whom he still continues. The public press gave the most cheering support: the metropolitan and provincial press vied in praising the undertaking and have continued to do so.

Among the anecdotal articles, that of Freemasonry in the 46th Regiment was so interesting, as even to excite the attention of the Horse Guards.

The death of "Peter Gilkes" is recorded with a brief account of his Masonic career; his monument.-The Aged Masons' Asylum was for

the first time brought before the attention of the Masonic public-Dr. Oliver, the historian of the order, became a contributor in this volume and has uninterruptedly written at least one article in every succeeding publication; the expressed approbation of our labours by so distinguished a Brother is, in our opinion, the brightest jewel in the editorial diadem-The centenary of the Strong Man Lodge, 53, took place this year-Henry O'Brien, the author of The Round Towers of Ireland," became a Mason; his biography appeared as Thurlogh the MilesianThe Masters and Past Masters' Club established-Mr. Piper's abuse of Freemasonry exposed.

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1835. The Broadfoot Festival held on the 5th of March, a most interesting meeting-Motion, by Dr. Crucefix, for the addition of Past Masters to the Boards of General Purposes and Finance, carried by a large majority-The Earl of Durham appointed Deputy Grand Master on the promotion of the Earl of Zetland, as Pro-Grand Master-The Rev. Bro. H. K. Slade enlisted as a contributor-Scenes in America, by a native-A most important leading article in relation to the position of the Grand Master and the Craft-Article on the Divarication of the New Testament—The defence of Socrates-The Dionysian ArtificersCurious Letter from Mr. Piper-Re-organization of the working of the Royal Arch-Public letters of the M.E.Z.-The Asylum prospers— Bro. Jerrold's address, spoken at the English Opera, by Bro. John Wilson-The Earl of Durham, Bros. Prescott and Crucefix, trustees; this arrangement altered on account of the objection of the Grand MasterBro. Hogg, the Ettrick Shepherd, initiated-Death of Henry O'Brien -Centenary of the Grand Stewards' Lodge-Treaty of Union-Alliance and Masonic confederation.

1836. Bro. Husenbeth's lecture-Reply of the late Marquis of Hastings-The last circular of the Masonic Knights Templars of England -Successful removal of the cataracts by Mr. Alexander, and restoration of vision to the Grand Master-Freemasonry in ParliamentMasonic Didactics, by the Rev. H. R. Slade, commenced and continued to 1842-Funeral Oration delivered by Bro. G. W. TurnerSketch of H. R. H. the Duke of Sussex-Lord John Churchill appointed Deputy Grand Master, in consequence of the Earl of Durham being Ambassador Extraordinary to the Court of Russia-Dangerous condition of the Girls' School House-Progress of the Asylum-Grand meetings at Colchester, Lincoln, and Northampton-Grand Ball in Dublin-Re-appearance of the Grand Master in Grand Lodge-Connexion between speculative and operative Masonry-Envy-Visit of the Deputy Grand Master of Ireland to the Master Masons' Lodge of Improvement-First Festival of the Asylum-Captivity among the Indians-The Black Ball-Masonic Offering to the Grand Master.

1837. Dr. Oliver's paper on the Practical Benevolence of Freemasonry, in relation to the Asylum-Female prejudices and antipathies— Chronological account of the Girls' School-De re Non-MasonicaVarious addresses to the Grand Mastèr on his restoration to sightGeneral reply of the Grand Master-Lord Ramsay's address at the Centenary of the Grand Lodge of Scotland-Installation of Lord John Churchill as Provincial Grand Master for Oxfordshire-The Freemasons' Quarterly Review recommended by the Grand Lodge of Scotland -The Asylum supported by the Lodges at the Cape of Good Hope -King William the Fourth; his death--Masonic Biography- Bro.

Reeder's address-Daniel O'Connell and Miss Martineau-The Songs of Masonry, by Dr. Oliver-Death of Bro. Grimaldi-Presentation of plate to Dr. Burnes-Victoria Lodge, Dublin-Addresses of Bro. T. Wright, M.D., and others-The architecture of the heavens-The Asylum unanimously recommended by the Grand Lodge of EnglandThe Ladies' Lodge at Paris.

1838. Essay on modern pseudo-Masonic_rites-The Belgian Clergy and the Freemasons-Masonic Offering to the Grand Master presented -Address by Bro. Keddell-Great meeting at Montego Bay, Jamaica -Subscription for the Asylum-Mode of electing Boards of General Purpose and Finance by ballot-Centenary of Lodge of Peace and Harmony, 72-Alderman Thomas Wood's address in favour of the Asylum -Dr. Tytler's Masonic theories-Provincial Brothers appeal in favour of the Asylum-English diet in 17th century-Songs of the Restoration -Jubilee of the Bank of England Lodge-Bro. Vyvian Robinson's address-Masonry in Bengal-Dutch Masonry at the Cape-The new Masonic temple-Dr. Oliver's address at Nottingham.

1839. Death of the Earl of Zetland; his Masonic memoir-the Earl of Durham appointed Pro-Grand Master, and the present Earl of Zetland, Deputy - Jepthah's Vow considered, by Bro. Keddell-Incorporation of the Board of Finance with the Board of General PurposesFive Brethren (all lawyers) nominated by the Grand Master to investigate and report on the Book of Constitutions-Original and supplementary Freemasonry, by Bro. W. D. Nash-Addresses of the Earl of Durham-Addresses of Bro. R. G. Alston on the Asylum-The Editor's visit to Dublin-Female Freemasons-Parliamentary intelligenceEditorial visit to the West-Sermon by the Rev. H. R. Slade - Infamous libel on the Asylum; its consequences Centenary of the Grenadier Lodge, 79-The Bishop of Durham and the Earl of DurhamPresentation of plate to Dr. Oliver-His address-Meeting of Drs. Oliver and Crucefix-Lord Combermere's address.

1840. Persecution of Bros. Crucefix, Alderman T. Wood, and J. Lee Stevens-Resignation by the former of the Treasurership of the Asylum in consequence-His unanimous re-election-Trial by the Board of General Purposes-Suspension-Trial of Dr. Crucefix by Grand Lodge, on a motion of expulsion; his explanation and address-majority in his favour-Man's imitation of the brute, by Bro. Husenbeth-The End of Perfection-Pythagoras to the Duke of Sussex-Address of the Hon. Henry Fitzroy in favour of the Asylum-Freemasonry revived in India -Death of the Earl of Durham; his Masonic biography-The Earl of Zetland appointed Pro-Grand Master, and the Marquis of Salisbury, Deputy-Original dispersion of primitive nations-The Scott monument-Masonry in the army-Dr. Crucefix resigns the editorshipMasonic biography of Dr. Oliver-Curious scene between the Grand Master and Bro. J. Lee Stevens-The apology.

1841. The Freemasons' Quarterly Review condemned in Grand Lodge, on a motion of the Marquis of Salisbury-Dinner to Dr. Oliver at Wolverhampton-Dinner and presentation of testimonial to Bro. P. V. Robinson at Falmouth-Death of the Earl of Rothes, Grand Master for Scotland-Masonic ball, Montego Bay-Addresses of Dr. Boerne and Dr. James Burnes-Freemasonry in Gibraltar-A Mason's adventure-The Living and the Dead-Bro. Bell's address on the Asylum-Dr. Oliver's address at the foundation of the Masonic Hall,

Lincoln-Jubilee of Shakspere Lodge, Warwick-Bro. Sharpe's oration-The charter of Colne-Annals of the Canongate KilwinningAnnuity Plan first proposed.-Public dinner and presentation of a superb testimonial to Dr. Crucefix; various addresses on the occasion -Death of Bro. Harrison, and appointment of Bro. Hall as Grand Registrar-Death of Lord Monson, the P.G. Master for Surrey.

1842. The Annuity Plan-The Volume of the Sacred Law-Masonry on the Continent - A generous offer of the Asylum to the Annuity Fund not accepted-Address by Bro. Sharp-Dismissal of Dr. Oliver as Deputy Grand Master for Lincoln, on account of having presided at the dinner to Dr. Crucefix; correspondence and meetings on the subjectThe Fly-wheel-Important manuscript-The late Bro. Thomas Dunkerly, natural son of King George II.-The centenary of Lodge of Unity, 82-Bro. Shaw's Address on the Asylum-Provincial Grand Lodge at Northampton-Masonic offering to Dr. Oliver-Death of the Earl of Leicester-Dinner to Dr. Crucefix at Wolverhampton-Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire-Explanations between his Provincial Chief and Dr. Oliver-A German Quarterly Review-Testimonial to Brother Shaw, &c.

A glance at the state of English Freemasonry is almost indispensable. In the year 1834, twenty years after the union of the two English Societies, there was such an evident want of cohesion in the elements of our legislation and practice, as led to apathy in the general body of the Grand Lodge, and consequent irresponsibility in the Executive. This had been the growth of many years; the mildew seemed to have generally affected all the Masters and Past Masters, who, when attending Grand Lodge, seldom took any part in the proceedings. They were content to listen, applaud, and depart. To such a low ebb was the intellect of the electors reduced, in the estimation of the Purple, that the nomination of the Grand Master by a member below the dais, was viewed as an act of daring; yet from that moment the voice, previously inaudible, became loud and commanding; great and important events ensued, and legislation and practice became subjects of deep consideration.

At this period the Society was deeply in debt; in six years it had cleared off that debt, and doubled its resources. How came this change for the better? By continuing the old system of mal-administration?-No; by a gradual change! And how was this change brought about?—by

publicity! The Freemasons' Quarterly Review was the organ by which the whole fraternity of the world became informed of its own proceedings, as they occurred: it is true there still exists a law against publication, but it is among those anomalies that good sense will correct, and we reiterate what was stated some years since,-" That to speak the plain language of truth has become a practice that Freemasonry enjoins; and we shall continue it without the apprehensions of fear, or the intentions of offence."

- In

The good sense of the Craft will repudiate what is prejudicial, and at the same time, uphold what it approves; an example of this position will be found in ourselves :— 1841, a game of strategy was played off against us, which, as it has now become a matter of history, we may refer to with a smile.

Let the reader judge of the effect produced by the following resolutions, recorded in the work they were intended to destroy.

"3rd. That the publication by Masons of the proceedings and concerns of Masonry, or furnishing materials for such publications, are traitorous violations of this most important privilege, and deserving of the highest punishment denounced against such offences by the laws and constitutions; as such publications, if not discouraged and suppressed, must ultimately destroy the respectability, and may even hazard the existence of the Craft.

"4th. That, with a view of checking this evil, the Grand Lodge call on all Masonic authorities and Masters of Lodges, on their Masonic allegiance, to use their utmost endeavours to cause all Brothers who may violate this privilege, by engaging in any such publication as the late Freemasons' Quarterly Review, or by furnishing materials for such publication by any disclosure, without due sanction, of the proceedings or concerns of Masonry, to be brought before the proper tribunal, to be dealt with according to the laws and constitutions of the order.

"5th. That these resolutions be forthwith transmitted by the Grand Secretary to all the constituted authorities of the order, and the Masters of all Lodges under the jurisdiction of the United Grand Lodge of England.

"6th. That the M.W. Grand Master be requested to communicate the same, in whatever manner he may deem fit, to the Grand Masters of Masonry in Scotland and Ireland, and of other Grand Lodges.

"7th. That the Master of every Lodge under the jurisdiction of the United Grand Lodge of England shall cause these resolutions to be read in open Lodge, at the next meeting after the receipt thereof, and to be