It has been subjected to the severest philological tests, and to the keenest criticism.

To the same effect is the testimony of many others of very considerable note, to whom I do not deem it necessary now to refer. And on this point it is further worthy of remark, that the constant attempts of grand lecturers to improve, and the almost universal concurrence as to the susceptibility of improvements, have contributed not a little to my full confirmation in the opinion that the adoption of this system is highly desirable.

After considerable discussion, this ritual matter was referred to a committee of nine brothers, to report at the next annual meeting. The following brethren were nominated and elected to serve on such committee: Bros. Rev. D. C. JACOKES, BEN. PORTER, Jr., LOVELL MOORE, B. FOLLETT, O. D. CONGER, H. MCCURDY, S. BLANCHARD, J. E. MARVIN, and JAMES FENTON.

Brother Morris was present at this meeting, and by request he recited the lectures in the several degrees, by sections, according to the "Webb-Preston work" as taught by him. Grand Lecturer Blanchard following him with the work as used in Michigan. This enabled the committee of nine and the Grand Lodge to form an intelligent opinion of the similarity and differences in the two systems.

By a resolution offered by Brother J. Eastman Johnson, each lodge was instructed to "furnish, for preservation in the archives of the Grand Lodge, a list of such of its members as had entered into the military service of their country, the capacaty in which they had served, with the names of those who had been killed or wounded in such service." This was a commendable move, but, unfortunately, only a few of the lodges complied with the instructions and furnished the list. Brother P. H. Taylor was again requested to compose and read a poem at the next annual communication.

By resolution, the Grand Lecturer was instructed to visit, during the year, all lodges that had been chartered in the past two years; all those working under dispensation; and all such other lodges as might request his services, and for this work he was to receive a salary of six hundred dollars from the Grand Lodge, and in addition thereto, each lodge visited should pay him five dollars for each visit.

The following is the report of the committee on the death of Past Grand Master Horace S. Roberts:

TO THE GRAND LODGE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN.

The committee to whom was referred that part of the Grand Master's address, which relates to the death of our late brother, Past Grand Master Colonel HORACE S. ROBERTS, have had the same under consideration, and would respectfully report, that in the sentiments expressed by the Grand Master, in his annual address, they most deeply sympathize, as to the afflictive dispensation that has stricken another star from the horizon of Masonry, and consigned to a soldier's grave our late brother, Past Grand Master Colonel HORACE S. ROBERTS.

In this event it eminently becomes us, as men and Masons, to recognize the high hand of Heaven, that in the meridian of life and usefulness has taken from among us one so eminent for his masonic virtues and patriotic devotion to his country and its free institutions.

The deceased, in early life identified himself with the institution of Masonry. Devoting to it the energies of a quiet and appreciative mind, he most rapidly assimilated the sublime mysteries of the craft that soon distinguished him among his brethren as one eminently worthy of their confidence and affection, and they soon elevated him to the high honors of the order; honors cheerfully accorded by his brethren, and honorably worn by him, gilding with new lustre his intellectual, social and domestic virtues.

Honored and respected by his masonic brethren, to an extent almost unparalleled for one of his years, and bound by social and domestic ties to a home with its highest endearments, the deceased, at the call of his country in the hour of her need, abandoned all for the rough necessities and dangers of the tented field, and where, in the path of duty, he sacrificed his life to the call and commands of patriotism, and now occupies a soldier's grave. His last words were: "Tell my friends in Michigan that I died at the post of duty."

Brethren, was he not a man? Was he not a Mason?

We, as Masons, are left, and a large circle of friends, to mourn his loss, and cherish his memory, and imitate his virutes.

The highest masonic eulogium we can pronounce upon him is to point to the confidence and honors the Masons of Michigan have reposed in, and conferred upon him. The highest tribute we can pay to his private virtues is to point to the deep sadness with which his death has smitten his intimate personal friends. In this afflictive dispensation of the workings of a mysterious Providence, we, as Masons, recognize the hand of Him who doeth his pleasure in the armies of heaven and among the children of men, but who doeth all things well. While we mingle our deepest sympathies with the widow and family of the deceased in this great bereavement, we humbly invoke on them the mercies and blessings of Him who tempers the winds to the shorn lamb, and who is the father of the fatherless, and the widow's God.