Reminiscenses Of The Past.

REMINISCENSES OF THE PAST .

IT is the boast of the Masonic Order that its peculiar system of working—veiledin allegory and illustrated by symbols—does not change , but that it is the same to-day as it was in the days of long ago ,

and that it will continue in the future as it has continued in the past . It is of course quite impossible to say how much of the latter part of this argument is likely to prove correct , but there can be no question

as to the other part—Freemasonry ot to-day is , m all important respects , the same as it was in the days of our ancestors , and we imagine the spirits of our greatgreat-grandfathers might enter some of the Lodges of

the present generation—provided ttiey were allowed to return to earth for such a purpose—and be perfectly at home in the ceremonies and ritual of present day Masons . They would find the same brotherly spirit and fraternal good fellowship among

the members of the Lodge as we are told marked the gatherings of the last century , and they would hear the same Masonic lessons delivered from the East , in probably the same terms they used to listen to during their lifetime ; in fact they would find the same

Freemasonry , practiced by a new generation of Freemasons , whose chief aim is to uphold the principles and tenets of the Craft , and do honour to their ancestors by acting up to the lessons the brethren set them in the years of long ago .

But it is not m the ritual and ceremonies alone that the Freemasonry of to-day resembles that of the past ; many of the old associations seem to continue to exercise an influence in certain quarters , and thus it is we find special localities famous in special

subjects , just as they were in days gone by . As an example we may refer to the city of York , with which is associated the earliest records of Freemasonry in England just as is also associated with it the earliest efforts of some of those who have taken a prominent

part in recent years towards diffusing a better knowledge of Masonic historical records and Masonic writings generally . If we refer to the old tradition of Freemasonry we find it recorded that the first Grand Lodge was formed at York , under Prince

Edwin , in A .D .926 , while if we tax our memory in regard to some of the events of the last twenty years we find York again to the front , initiating movements which have made their influence felt throughout the

world , and will continue to have an effect on future generations of Masons . York is by no means behind hand to-day , as is evidenced by the proposal referred to in our last week ' s issue , to reprint in one volume the

Ancient Rolls of Constitutions at present in the possession of the York Lodge , No . 236 , which , as Masonic students are aware , are some of the most interesting documents known to exist in regard to the earlier days

ot Jb reeraasonry . We well remember some years back paying a visit to the old city , and viewing with considerable interest the many interesting Masonic ' ,

Reminiscenses Of The Past.

curiosities collected together for the general edification of the Craft at large , but more particularly for the benefit of the Masonic members of the British Association , which was in session at York at the

time . Much of the success of that exhibition was due to the energy and Masonic ability brought to bear on the subject by Bros . T . B . Whytehead , J . Todd , and other kindred spirits , and we find these same brethren

busying themselves to-day in the work we are speaking of . With them the love for Masonic research is no mere caprice of the moment , they are as enthusiastic as ever they were , and , no doubt backed

up by the old Masonic traditions of the city in which they live , they will be the means of providing another interesting link between the Masonry of long ago and the Masonry of to-day .

It is at all times extremely difficult to give credit m the right quarter for innovations which in time come to be regarded as every day matters , but we think the Yorkshire brethren of whom we have just spoken are entitled to a share of the credit , of having inaugurated

the series of Masonic Exhibitions which have now been held in various parts of the world , and which have led to the establishment of more than one permanent home for Masonic curiosities . That the same success may attend their latest

undertaking must be the hope of all who know them , and not only are we convinced they will have the good wishes of their personal friends but they will also receive support and encouragement from Masons in all parts of the world , as soon as the

project they have in hand is brought under notice . We are hoping to have some details of this work for publication in an early issue , but the resolutions carried at the annual gathering of the Provincial

Grand Lodge of North and East Yorkshire , reported in our last issue , will supply sufficient information to awaken the pleasurable anticipations of Masonic students in particular and generally of those who take an interest in the reminiscences of the past .

Masonry's Grandeur And Goodness.

MASONRY'S GRANDEUR AND GOODNESS .

MASONRY A TEMPLE—A SYMBOL—A SCIENCE OF EMBLEMS AND SYMBOLS—A SOCIETY OF RITUAL AND OF IDEALS .

An Address by Rev . James Byron Murray , Grand Chaplain , before the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Neiv York , 8 th February 1893 .

( Continued from page 21 ) . MASONRY is a society of ritual . This is a necessity for its work and the imparting of its principles . It

is a-wondrous perservative of facts and truths ; the fine salt which loses not its savour , and keeps them ever ready for use . Principles expressed in the same form of words from age to age , varied slightly perhaps as certain conditions of