PUBLISHED BY THE G. M. AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS, AT THE BOARD

ROOM, 8, AYTOUN STREET, PORTLAND STREET, AND

PRINTED BY P. G. M. MARK WARDLE AND SON, 17, FENNEL STREET.

1841.

PREFACE.

THE sixth volume of the Magazine is now submitted to the Members of the Order; and as the present Editor has not been officially connected with any portion of it, except the last Number, he may say, without impropriety, that a decided improvement will be perceptible. Upwards of twenty-four thousand copies of the Magazine are now circulated; and this fact, gratifying as it is with respect to the interests of the work itself, is doubly gratifying in another sense, because it proves that our Brethren have a taste for literature, and are anxious to avail themselves of the opportunities afforded for cultivating the mind. The Numbers of the present Volume shew that there are amongst us many who possess talents for composition of no mean cast; and as we are continually receiving acquisitions of individuals whom the public at large have recognized as possessing superior abilities, it may reasonably be hoped that the contents of our periodical will in a short time be able to stand a comparison with those of the leading publications of the day. Let it be borne in mind that in literary composition, as in other matters, practice does much; and though all who write are not destined to be eminent as authors, yet most people who make a point of committing to paper the result of their observations and reading, may bring forward something which may be of benefit to their species. Those who do not feel themselves qualified to write an article for the Magazine, may at least endeavour to advance its circulation; and when the object to which its profits are devoted is considered, we feel convinced that no member of our Institution will need urging to use his utmost exertions to add to its prosperity.