we have sufficient strength for every battle that we may be called upon to fight.

Therefore, we deem it of some use to have those unworthy appendages to try the strength of the Masonic cable-tow, to exhibit the beauty of that moral integrity taught in Masonry. If Masons will only study the lessons of true philosophy, they will find truth and wisdom in the dark and crooked lines, drawn by an enemy or a selfish member of the Craft. The diagram of their lives, the unfoldment of their purposes, and the unlocking of their hearts, will serve as a map to correct human life, and enable the faithful student of Masonry to come upon the exact circle of the Masonic compass. The imperfection found in all clearly demonstrates the fact that none walk upon that circle at all times, Yet the real lover of masonry, by careful observation, can see where corrections are needed, and will strive to keep as near that circle as possible. Seeing the zigzag course of others, if true himself, he will not abandon the institution and leave it to the selfish and unworthy, but stand to his post and defend the right. It is by contrast that we learn the true value of an upright and a genuine Mason. Masonry does not demand of us to sustain the unworthy. No, let them stand upon the foundation that they have built for themselves. If they are good, they are secure; if evil, the world will know it, as they know it.

THE BEAUTY OF MASONRY.

The intrinsic beauty combined in Masonry does not exist in the several forms of its work, or the ceremonies, that are observed in advancing to the degrees. These are all right and useful, but the hidden beauty is not merely in the letter. The Mason who searches for truth, glory, strength and beauty, only in the passing ceremonies, and in the outword, or letter, can have but a feeble love, a weak regard, and is still in darkness to the true beauties of the fundamental objects and aims of Masonry; as much so as when he first stepped over the threshold of the institution, and for the first time kneeled at the altar of Masonry. Those who see no more of Masonry than this are the perishable materials that are put into the walks. They die without the right, and although they have ears they hear not, and eyes they see not.

Masonry has a beauty in its spirit. The forms and ceremonies are all beneficial as aids to impress the mind with rich, noble and unchangable principles and truths. The impressions, developments and advancements that a true Mason enjoys compose the upright walls of the mystic temple of a pure life. They make to his under

standing a revelation, and produce an inspiration that unfolds to his mind Masonic beauty, excellence, and moral power. When forms, symbols and ceremonies all fail to produce the virtue, the spirit and life contained in them, they are worthless. All those symbols, forms, and work in Masonry, are as destitute of beauty as the lifeless dead body in the tomb, without the spirit. expression of the eye is gone, its real beauty is gone. So with Masonry when the spirit of its symbolry is not known and practiced.

That

EDITORIAL NOTES BY THE WAY.

Not many moons away, we took a northeasterly direction and brought up on the coast of Lake Michigan, at Grand Haven. The Fraternity are on the progressive movement in this locality. Of late, they have organized a Chapter and have equipped themselves with a fine set ol jewels and regalia. They have a splendid hall that they occupy with the Lodge. The hall is well furnished, and they need not be ashamed of the whole outfit. Everything is in order and displays taste, beauty and wisdom.

We are under many obligations to Bro. Mitchell, the W. M. for kind attentions bestowed upon us. He is quite a young man in years, but quite an old head, or a hand and heart that has learned things that are old, and conducts the work with harmony and skill. We predict a bright future for him. He publishes one of the best papers in all that section.

ST. CLAIR, MICHIGAN.-In our wanderings we chanced to come upon the banks of the beautiful river of St. Clair, that is one of the connecting links between the chain of lakes. And being somewhat weary, we called at the City Hotel, and there found our old friend and Brother of ancient Tyre, GEN. S. B. BROWN, the same old prince of a Landlord, who has of late been reinstalled at the post he occupied during the building of the first Temple of the city. And while many traveling Bohemians can remember with pleasure of calling at his tent, and obtaining refreshments in times gone by, their descendants who can trace their genealogy, are requested to call and let their wants be known.

WE FEEL sad, as will his numerous friends, to learn of the great affliction that has befallen Bro. John W. Groesbeck, of Harvard, Ill. His excellent wife died on the 20th of September last. She was 34 years of age, and leaves a little daughter two and a half years old.

MANUFACTURED AT GALVA, ILL., BY ELLIS, SELLON SELLON & CO.,

HIS machine justly merits the attention of the public. It is undoubtedly the best It has found its way into the homes of more than 3000 families in the past 12 months. All who have secured machines speak of it in the highest terms, in regard to its washing. It has no equal. It does all the work without the use of tub or washboard, washing the finest fabric without the least injury. It is easily operated; a child can work it to perfection. It is a machine that everybody should have, being substantially made, perfect in every part, and nicely finished.

FIRST PREMIUM AWARDED AT THE FOLLOWING FAIRS FOR 1872

The following are a few of the many persons who have voluntarily passed their opinions in reference to the Ellis washing machine. They are farmers of Illinois, and perhaps well known to many of our readers. We could add hundreds of such statements if room would permit :

MILAN, Ill., Oct. 12, 1871. Messrs. Ellis, Sellon, Wiley & Co.-We have tested the Ellis Washing Machine, and find it to do the work just as you represent. We have no fault to find whatever. I can sell many of them here for you. Please send me one more, large size. Very respectfully, A. W. WRIGHT. WYOMING, 111., Dec. 20, 1871. Messrs. Ellis, Sellon, Wiley & Co.-I am on of machines; ship half dozen right off. They more than satisfy the people. SAMUEL SMITH.

THE MYSTIC STAR.

February--1873,

ANNUAL COMMUNICATION OF THE GRAND LODGE OF MICHIGAN.

ADDRESS BY GRAND MASTER CHAMBERLAIN.

The Grand Lodge of Michigan assembled at Music Hall, in Detroit, on Tuesday, January 14th, at high twelve, and was opened in ample form by Grand Master HENRY CHAMBERLAIN. All of the Grand officers were present, several of the Past Grand officers and a very large attendance of delegates from the Subordinate Lodges. A Committee on Credentials was appointed, and the Grand Lodge was called off from labor to refreshments until two o'clock, when the Grand Lodge was called from refreshments to labor, and the following address was given by Grand Master Chamberlain :

GRAND MASTER CHAMBERLAIN'S ADDRESS.

BROTHERS-The various aspects of Masonry furnish much food for profitable reflection. The wisdom of its design, the beauty of its structure, the wonderful variety and richness of its symbols, and the beneficence of its results occupy our best thoughts and adorn our choicest literature. But a Masonic assemblage, like this, combines and concentrates into one grand suggestion, all the wealth of Masonic symbolism, and in one word of immeasurable significance utters the grand Masonic secret-and that word is-Brother.

This word is the epitome of Masonry; it contains in itself all that we know of the ritual, the obligations, the work, the degrees and the history of our ancient craft; it expresses the essence of all that we can give or receive in Masonry; it is above lineage, race or rank; among a strange people and in foreign climes, it is language, passport and letter of credit, it is food, clothing and shelter, in peace it is an ornament, in danger a coat of mail; and enveloped in it are all the philosophy, ethics and objects of our institution. 1. VOL. XVIII-NO. II-FEB. 1873.

But not the least singular of its attributes is the ready recognition it everywhere commands. Among the hundreds of faces before me are many I know-faces of those with whom I have taken sweet counsel-and there are some I do not know; but by those means which a Mason understands, I do know that you are all Masons, and, being Masons, I know you are my brothers. We are brothers, not by race nor by blood, but by spirit-a brotherhood which gratifies our social nature, mitigates our mental distress, ministers to our physical feebleness, follows us to our silent grave, and then shelters and cherishes the loved ones we leave behind us. Brotherhood involves equality; and notwithstanding official stations, designations and duties, we meet on the level of brotherhood, to be equal partners in all the pleasures and benefits which Masonry bestows.

Brotherhood also involves fatherhood; and to our Great Master and Father, it becomes us to render humble and hearty thanks for the blessings of the year that has passed, and from Him to seek wisdom and guidance and continued favor for the time that is to come. His all-seeing eye, as well as the eyes our brethren, have been upon each one of us during all the year; and while our ontward acts have been visible to them, our motives and secret acts have been known only to Him. He will judge rightly, and it be

comes us to judge kindly.

My official term is nearly closed. And now, as I stand at the bar of your opinion, permit me to crave for myself the kind judgment of brothers as I pass on, at once, to report my official acts to you, from whom I received the power that gave them validity, and to whom I am responsible for its proper exercise. The ordinary duties of your Grand Master are numerous and onerous; but, from accidental causes, many questions have arisen during the year of a nature so delicate and complicated, that I also crave your patient attention to such details as well furnish a basis for your intelligent action.

CONSTITUTION OF NEW LODGES.

Charters were granted to twelve new lodges by this M. W. Grand Lodge at its last annual communication. These lodges have been constituted and consecrated, and the officers thereof duly installed, as follows, viz.:

Bradley Lodge No. 296, January 31st, and Lake Shore Lodge No. 298, January 29th, by myself in person.

Attica Lodge No. 295, January 23d, by W. Bro. C. S. Hicks. Kilwinning Lodge No. 297, January 25th, by R. W. Hugh McCurdy.

Pere Marquette Lodge No. 299, February 9th, by R. W. Wm. Dunham.

Champlin Lodge No. 300, January 30th, by W. Bro. D. B. Tracy.