Le Monde Maconnique.

LE MONDE MACONNIQUE .

A very interesting number for April . LA CHAINE D'UNION . The Alarch and April number is full of information . AIASONIC ADVOCATE . As usual abounds in ability and amusement .

PHILADELPHIA KEYSTONE . , Our excellent contemporary is most interesting and full of Alasonic information .

KENNING'S CYCLOPAEDIA . Cheap Edition . We have seen this work in its new dress , and vve can only say that it is well worth the amount now asked for it . lt vvas probably published at too high a figure at first , considering the normal views of brethren anent Alasonic literature in ' general and particular , but it is essentially an original workandas one reviewer said , an " honest work , "

, , and will , vve are inclined to be sure , be yet more appreciated as such . If there is any defect in it , it is that which has arisen owing to the not unreasonable desire of the subscribers to possess a volume so long announced . When it was promised thc writer had not realized thc enormous amount of time required to carry out his " exhaustive" process under each letter of the alphabet , and the printing

clifliculties arising from so many foreign names , and the use of German and French . Let us hope that the' Editor may he enabled to make the letters T . U . V . W . X . Y . / .. equally complete , and correct thc few ancl unavoidable typographical errors , and fill up a few "lacuna * . " But at its present price no book so cheap or so really worth the money has ever before been offered to the Craft .

Masonic Notes And Queries.

Masonic Notes and Queries .

SIR CHRISTOPHER WREN . Whilst fully endorsing the remarks of our Bro . Senex , in regard to caution and hesitation , I venture , however , to invite the fuller attention of that worthy brother to what I have already published in the Freemason under the above heading . There is " some evidence , " as the lawyers say , which favours the Aubrev theory , and though individually I

hold it to be insufficient , I have endeavoured to place its salient features before readers of this column . Continuing the observations in my note of the 10 th nit ., it may be added ( in support of the " Aubrey " view of Wren's initiation or adoption ) , that though in the first instance , viz ., on 18 th Alay , 1 G 91 , John Aubrey , in the Oxford copy of the Natural History of Wiltshire , merely recorded that Wren

¦ was to bc adopted a brother , yet the transcription of tins entry into thc Royal Society copy , in all probability , several years later , attests that Aubrey must then have believed in the . verification of his prediction , or at all events , that nothing had occurred in the interval , to shake his faith in the credibility of his original announcement . 1 will now terminate these " short studies " with a few

remarks on the influence which Wren's alleged connection with the'Craft , still continues to exercise over all writers who deal with the subject of Freemasonry . It is curious and noteworthy , that the view of Freemasonry ascribed to Wren , which is fully set forth in the Parentalin , and has been adopted by nil rncyclapu-dists * , corresponds with the opinions likewise ascribed to Dttgdale and Ashmole . Much

fable has been incorporated with the history of Freemasonry , on the faith of these respectable names , but the sober enquirer after truth , is to say the least , slightly staggered in his belief , at finding that in each case ( l ) ugdale , Ashmole , and Wren ) , the opinion ascribed , has been given at second hand , many years after the decease of the authority upon whom it has been fathered . John Aubrey

says : — " S K . William Dugdale told me many years since , & c . Dr . Knipc , " Biog Brit , " states : — " What , from Air . Ashmole ' s collection / could gather was , " & c . Whilst in the Parentalia , Ames records : — " lie ( Wren ) vvas of opinion , " X : c . If , indeed , the opinion attribute !" to Wren in the "Parentalia" -. ens really his , 1 think this would conclusively establish that he could imt have been a Freemason , as

otherwise he would have known better , and it appears more probable that if , as I have already said , the opinion vvas actually expressed by Sir Christopher , it was the view erf an outsider . 'The theory of travelling builders and monk-architects has been longsince exploded by Air . G . E . Street , f but the so-called opinion of Wren still maintains its place in our Encyclopedias , and will , I suppose , for all lime bo quoted by reviewers . R . I " . GOULD .

JACHIN AND BOAZ . Since / wrote 011 this point it has struck me that as regards Inigo Jones , to whom tliesanieobjc-clion might apply , if I understand Bro . Woodford's Utter right , he has obtained confirmatory evidence of hisconiiection with Masonry . So it may well be the same as regards -Sir Christopher Wren . Let us , therefore , hold our hands bro tem .

SENEX . Jachin and Boaz was written by Goodall , according to Oliver , and certainly not by Prichard . Prichard , wherever he obtained his alleged Alasonic ritual , had had recourse to some old formula—as its rythmical form in parts shews . But beyond a record of a fact it is of little value . Goodall was said to be a member of the old St . Paul ' s Lodge . . MASONIC STUDENT .

There is a question anent our ritual 1 should like to have the opinion of Bros . Hughan , and Gould , and others . What form does Browne , or Jachin and Boaz representthat of a supposed likeness with the Antients or the Aloderns ? Jachin and Boaz has always appeared to me to represent the modern form , anil Browne the Antient , as

far as vve know it . Is any known form of the Antienls preserved ? Preston , probably , leant tn the Antients , hence Ilis is a compilation . I am aware that the view held by many of these spurious rituals is .-. omi-vvhal different from mini ' , but 1 . should like the matter carefully considered . MASONIC STUDENT .

* It is important to bear this in mind , as it accounts fur the opinions everywhere expresM-rl by iion-Wu-i . mc writers . Vide extract from the "Guardian" at p . 1 S 1 , ante . See also next fool mile . t See "Account of Gothic Architecture in Spain , " p . 464 , and " Gwilt ' s Encyclopxdia of Architecture , " p . 130 .

Masonic Notes And Queries.

HIRAM , THE BUILDER . —A name given to Hiram Abiff . Some modern writers have contended that Hiram was not an architect , but simply a metallurgist ; but such writers are entirely mistaken . Josephus especially records on the contrary that he was " an eminent architect , over and above" his fame for " working in gold , silver , and other metals . " 'The Bible also expressly declares that he was

" skilful to work" in "stone" just asin "gold and stiver , " in "brass and iron , " in " purple ; , blue , and line linen , and crimson , " as well as to " grave any mannerof graving , and to find out any device which shall be put to him with thy cunning men . " Thus it is perfectly clear that , artistically and intellectually , Hiram was ahead of his contemporaries , and well fitted to build that glorious Temple of the Alost

High . In reading the accounts in thc Books of Kings and Chronicles , vve must bear in mind that they are repetitive , containing the same statement more than once , and must be taken as a whole . The argument that Hiram Abiff vvas not a builder is a perverse chimera , in our humble opinion . Some have confounded him with "Abdemon , " mentioned by profane historians , but quite erroneously .

BOAZ . — 'The name of one of the well-known pillars at thc entrance or porch of the Iirst temple at Jerusalem erected by King Solomon , and which were cast , we arc told , by Hiram Abiv or Abif . The German Steinmctzen are said to have erected such pillars as early as the 13 th century at any rate , as at Wurztburg Cathedral in Bavaria , where they

still are to be seen . Some have thought these pillars to be of later work , but of this there is no evidence whatever . Indeed , we think it may fairly be asserted that the Operative Alasons were in the habit of erecting these pillars in churches at an early period . Boaz was on the left hand . —Kenning ' s Cyclopedia of Freemasonry .

Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . JAMES ROBERTSON . It is with very great regret that we have to announce the death suddenly from apolexjyin the fifty-eighth year of his age , of Bro . James Robertson , sole representative of the well-known firm of Alacnaiight , Robertson , and Co ., iron , steel , and girder merchants , of Bankside , Southwark , which sad event occurred on thc morning of 'Thursday , the 1 s * th ult ., at his residence Lealield , West Brighton . He

had heen suffering from severe bronchitis and congestion of the lungs , resulting from a chill taken on a journey to Belgium , whence he had recently returned . Bro . Robertson was descended from the Robertsons of Struan ( Clan Donachy ) , and vvas the son of Air . John Robertson of Greenoclc , who was well known as a very ardent enthusiast in the cause of slave emancipation . The subject of our notice was born at Greenock-, in Alay , 1 S 22 , and graduated

at the University of Edinburgh , where he studied lor the law . But coming to England he turned his attention to commercial pursuits , becoming first a partner , and on the death of Air . Alacnaiight , the head of the firm of Macnaught , Robertson , and Co . Gifted with a very remarkable memory , and possessing a passionate fondness for literary pursuits , he stored up a fund of information possessed by few . His love for the drama anil poetry led him to acquire a

marvellous knowledge of Shakespeare , with which he frequently entertained his friends . 1 le was a profound thinker , a brilliant speaker , and as an actor he passed beyond the bounds usually designated amateur . Ilis writings were numerous , and the lectures he delivered on the History of Southwark showed a great amount of ability and painstaking research . A Alason of thirty-six years' standing , he was a member of the Britannic Lodge , and held the oflice of S . W .

and acting VV . M . of the Atlingworth Lodge at the time of his decease . He was also a companion of the Yarborough Royal Arch Chapter ; the Eureka Rose Croix Chapter ; and the De VVarenne Preceptory of Knights Templar ; being also an officer of Provincial Grand Priory of Sussex . A supporter of the . Masonic Charities , his benevolence vvas not restricted to them , and his purse always open to the wants of the necessitous . He held office as a commissioner of the

'Town of Hove , to which he had just been re-elected a second time . Those who knew him well have lost a warmhearted and gifted friend ; the Craft an active , intelligent , and zealous member ; his employes a kind and liberal master ; anil the town he lived in a capable and earnest commissioner . His funeral took place at old 1 love Church on Monday , the lyth ult ., attended by a large number of his late colleagues and members of the Craft . 'The service was performed by Hro . the Rev . VV . A . 'Tooth , Chaplain to the

. Atlingworth Loilge . Amongst those in attendance were Dv . Lacy , J . Wood , Esii ., W . Andeison , Esq ., E . VV . Alarflet , Esq ., " Dr . Mark Tanner , J . Stephens , Esq ., S . Ross , Esq ., and VV . Halt , Esq ., Bros , the Mayor of Brighton , ( II . Davy , Esq . ) , John Scott , Esq ., Deputy Provincial Grand . Master Sussex ; J . W . Stride , G . Smith , G . Wade , E . S . Godftie , Councillor ; A . J . Hawkes , Councillor ; VV . | . Nell , Councillor ; S . P . Weston , Councillor ; Berry , II . " Charrington , J . B . . Macfarlane , j . Pearson , 11 . Anscombe , j . . Martin " , J . Yates , Alessrs . Bramwcll , Hayler , Kincr . Allison , and others .

Scotland.

Scotland .

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF FORFARSHIRE . A meeting of office bearers of this Provincial Grand Lodge was held in thc Alasonic Hall , Arbroath , on Wednesday , the 21 st ult ., consequent on the resignation of Bro . Lord Ramsay , M . P ., Provincial Grand Alaster , owing

to his public duties . The resignation vvas accepted , lt was resolved to send lo Lord Ramsay an address thanking him ior his services , and congratulating him upon his success . A Committee vvas appointed to arrange for a nomination to Ihe vacant oflice of Provincial Grand Alaster , and to report . There was a very large attendance .

The IVovinc-inl Ciivind Master of Berks and Bucks , Sir Daniel Gooch , has appointed the V . W . Bro . the Rev . J . Stiidholme Brownrigg , ALA ., rector of AIoulsoc , and Past ' Grand Chaplain of England , to be Deputy Provincial Grand Alaster of Berks and Bucks , in Ihe place of the Rev . the Dean of York , who has resigned the appointment in consequence of his removal from the province .

Ar01005

( Continued from page 197 J . W . AL , was offered thc post of J . D ., which he accepted , and had ever since done his utmost to promote the welfare of the lodge , and he was quite sure that no brother had worked harder in so doing , and he trusted that Bro . Crosby would have thc support of every member ancl a prosperous year of office . The toast was drank with the greatest enthusiasm , as Bro . Crosby is universally esteemed and liked

by all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance . The W . AL , in reply , said he thanked their I . P . AL for his kind remarks and the brethren for so warmly responding to the toast . He was not unconscious of the important duties he had , as VV . M ., to fulfil , and he assured them he would do his utmost , as he had always done , to give them satisfaction . He knew he had some good and able Past Alasters to assist him if necessary , and in their I . P . AL he had one on

whom he could with every confidence rely in time of need . He himself felt proud of having such an able officer as Bro . Crompton in the lodge , and it afforded him the greatest imaginable pleasure to present him , in the name of the lodge , with a gold Past Master's jewel for his highly valued services , and lie would conclude by asking thc brethren to drink Bro . Crompton's health in a bumper . It ' s needless to say that this was done most heartily . Bro . Crompton , in

reply , said that this was thc first occasion he had had to reply as I . P . AL , and he found it to be somewhat a difficulty . Although there had been during his year of office many difficulties to contend with , yet he had a great deal to thank them for , and , judging from thc warmth with which the brethren had received the toast of his health and the kind remarks that had fallen from Bro . Crosby , he believed he

had given them satisfaction , and this vvas fuither proved by their very handsome present , which he should preserve and value as long as he lived . Several other toasts were given and responded to , and Bros . W . Dumville , Alfred Lcwtas , and Alark Stafford contributed valuable aid with their rendering of several choice glees and songs , all of which gave great satisfaction , and a most plcasantcvcning ' s enjoyment was brought to a close about eleven o ' clock .

Instruction.

INSTRUCTION .

WHITTINGTON LODGE ( No . S 62 ) . —A mooting of this lodge of instruction was held on the 2 Sth ult ., at the Red Lion , Poppin's-court . Fleet-street . There were present Bros . Fox , . D . 201 , W . AL ; R . P . Tate , S . W . 862 , S . W . ; J . S . Brown , J . W . RG 2 , J . W . ; Gush , I . G . 1 ^ 41 , S . D . ; Lardner , S . W . 1745 , J . D . ; Abell , P . AL 1599 , I . G . ; W . Long , P . AL 435 , Preceptor ; Hide , Hallam , Marston , Irving , Drury , Gladwell , Pate , Brocklehurst , F . Brown ,

Collinson , Larchm , Tolmie , and others . 'The Fifteen Sections were worked , and a vote of thanks nnd honorary membership vvas conferred on the W . AL for the admirable manner in which he had performed the duties ; the whole of the Fifteen Sections having been completed within three hours . Four new members were then elected , and the lodge vvas closed in perfect harmony , and adjourned to meet on the 5 th inst ., at eight o ' clock , when Bro . Brocklehurst , of the mother lodge , will bc W . AL

Royal Arch.

Royal Arch .

JERUSALEM CHAPTER ( No . 185 ) . —The installation meeting of this chapter was held on 'Tuesday , the 13 th ult ., at the Freemasons ' 'Tavern , Great Queen-street . Among those present were Comps . P . Robinson , Al . E . Z . ; Mander , H . ( First Principal elect ); T . Walls , P . G . D . C . Aliddx ., J . ; P . Wagner , I . P . Z . ; Davage , P . Z ., S . E . ; AIoss , S . N . ; Stewart , P . S . ; Davis , 1 st Asst . ; Ellborn , 2 nd Asst . ; Harfeld , P . Z ., Treas . ; Holbrook , P . Z . ; Pratt ,

Ratti , Whitley , and Parkinson , Janitor . 'The visitors were Comps , A . Barfield , P . Z . 19 ; Lloyd , 1201 ; and . Maclean , St . Asaph . The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , the ballot vvas taken upon behalf of Bros . T . Wallis , 1201 , and A . Boehr , 15 S 5 , and it proving to be unanimous , the Iirst named brother , who was in attendance , was duly and impressively exalted to the Degree of Royal

Arch Alasonry . 'The Audit report having been received and adopted , Comp . Robinson , Al . E . Z ., most ably installed Comps . Mander , Walls , and Moss as First , Second , and 'Third Principals . 'The oflicers appointed and invested for the ensuing vear were Gimps . Harfeld , 'Treas . ; Davage , S . E . ; P . Robinson , I . P . Z . ; Stewart , S . N . ; Davis , P . S . ; Ellborn , ist . Asst . ; and Parkinson , Janitor . The appointment of Second Assistant was postponed .

'The chanter , after passing a vote of thanks to the Installing Principal for the manner in which he had carried out his duties , vvas then closed , and the companions adjourned to a very excellent banquet . Upon the removal of the cloth , the M . E . Z . gave , in very pertinent terms , the customary preliminary toasts , which were done full justice to . In giving "'The Health of the Al . E . Z ., " Comp . Robinson dwelt at great length upon the great services rendered

to Masonry in general by their hirst Principal . He ( the Al . E . Z . ) had been for years past well and popularly known as a most able and amiable Preceptor , and , therefore , it would be superfluous on his ( the speaker ' s ) part to dilate upon the " working " abilities of Comp . Alander . In concluding his remarks , he congratulated the Jerusalem Chapter upon possessing at its head so clever an exponent of the science of R . A . Masonry . The Al . E . Z .

having briefl y replied , then proposed in very flattering terms "'The Health of the Exaltee , " which toast drew in response from Comp . Wallis a very neat reply . " The Visitors" followed , and this pledge having been heartily received , Comps . Barfield , Lloyd , and Alaclcan duly acknowledged the compliment . In giving "The 1 . P . Z . " the First Principal indulged in some very complimentary remarks . He said that Comp . Robinson had carried out the duties of the

First Chair admirably , and had brought his " work " to a most happy and successful climax by carrying out the whole ceremonial of installation . Having expatiated upon other matters in connection with the I . P . Z . ' s services , he presented him with a very neat jewel as a souvenir of his year of oflice . Comp . Johnson having modestly replied , the toast of '' The Second ' and 'Third Principals" followed ,

and vvas acknowledged by Comps . Walls and . Moss . " I he Health of the Past Principals" came next in order , and , this pledge having been responded to b y Comps . Holbrook and Wagner , the M . E . Z . gave in very happy terms "The 'Treasurer and Scribe E . " 'This toast having been received with excellent " fire , " Comps . Harfield , P . Z ., and Davage , P . Z ., briefly expressed their acknowledgments for the very flattering manner in which tho M . E . / * . had