The Return Of The Arctic Expedition.

as he has been to the climate and its hardships , sank under them , and became a serious addition to the labour of his comrades . Everyone of the Expeditions , whatever the direction , came back in the saddest plight , some dragging the rest , and in one case only reaching the ship through

the heorism of an officer pushing on maay miles alone to announce his returning comrades , to procure the aid by which alone they were saved from destruction . These are episodes , but they are the matter which redeems the story and makes its truest value . They tells us what Englishmen will do on occasions beyond our

feeble home apprehensions , when once they have accepted a call and are " in duty bound . " We agree fully with the tone of these remarks , and though we cannot recount the achievements of our gallant countrymen amid the dangers of the ice hummocks of the Polar Seas , we can express our admiration at iheir dauntless courage , and our heartfelt happiness at their safe return .

Original Correspondence.

Original Correspondence .

[ We do not hold ourselves responsible for , or even as approving of the opinions expressed by our correspondents , but we wish , in a spirit of fair play to all , to permit—within certain necessary limits—free discussion . —ED . 3

HERMETICISM AND LONG LIVERS . To the Editor of " The Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — I feel considerable difficulty in making my reply upon the symbolical language of " Long Livers , " because , when I express my belief in the traditional history of last centuries' Hieri Grades . I shall at once be met by the

sceptical realist with a demand for " Minutes " of the same , and this cannot be given beyond , say a reference to tiie Royal Arch in 1743 , and to the Templar and Templar Priest about 1780 . Notwithstanding , I reiterate a belief that those " seven pillars " which the York Masons , the Ancient Masons , the Scotch Masons , and the Irish Masons , alleged were " hewen out" by our ancient brethren in

1686 , are the degrees Hermetically alluded to in 1721 . These three degrees , separated Iroin thc Craft by the ceremony of Past Master , I take to be the '' Higher Class " alluded to by Philalcthes , jun ., in 1721 ; the language in the closing part of the dedication is almost word for word with some in the Christian orders , it is found in no other system or ritual whatever—I speak from a large ' ritual

acquaintance—and if it docs not refer to the three higher degrees I have mentioned , it is a harmless piece of mystification , admits of no other reference or explanation , and its language has no meaning . Scholastic , oaths and rites vvere so far common in Europe n the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries , that I do not see that we need doubt thc actual existence of Rosicrucian

ceremonies at thc close of the seventeen century , or even that they had brought them from Egypt or Constantinople , as they alleged , since ancient rites analogous to Freemasonry still exist there . It is even barely possible that some of the later mystical works , written ostensibly as Rosicrucian , arc really Masonic . Thus we find the dedication to "Lone Livers" 1721 , alludes to the Masonic

Roll of Philalcthes' Hig h Grades under the elesignation of the , " Book M , " the identical term cf Christian Rosy Cress , for his Rosicrucian Roll . But that thc Masonic High Grades was the veritable fraternity of Rosy Cross is , I think , disproved by the fact that at an early period a totally distinct rite , under that name was tacked on , in German , to the Masonic institution : moreover , this very

book " Long Livers" was known to these German Masonic Rosicrucians , for they asserted in 1 745 , that " Eugcnius Philalethes " was still living and President of the English Rosicrucian Masons . * 1 follow genuine tradition and infer that in 1686 the English Rosicrucian Masons established a rite of the additional degrees which they conferred upon the officers of the Craft , and altered and adapted the same to

the objects they had in view , as all system mongers have done . Bro . Leon Hyneman published a book in 1872 entitled " Ancient York and London Grand Lodges ; " it is not without errors , but will meet with better comprehension in this light . Thc Templar Priest is doubtless the degree to which Hundc claimed to belong about 17 6 5 , as the clerical or ecclesiastical branch , which had authority

over the secular , with a descent from the Essencs . t The old English Templar ceremony was very different from the present , and claimed descent as a part of thc mysteries from thc most remote antiquity ; but besides this there was a Latin work published at Amsterdam , which gave thc ancient Templars a secret Gnostic or Rosicrucian oriein . and that the Order was talked about araonpst the

Freemasons is very likely , for we find Lilly stating that his grandfather was " one of the Knights Templars or Knights of Malta , " i . e ., the English langue of the Hospital of St . John , or Malta ; Elsewhere I have amply proved that from the fifteenth to the end of the seventeenth century there was a sectarian party , who , because they went in fear of the stake and the dungeon , and aimed at trampling down the triple

tiara , were compelled to use the jargon or secret oathbound terms e > f operative alchemy by which to convey grave religious truths and hardy theosophical speculations , and I perceive , moreover , undoubtedly , that Philalethes , jun ., from his Dedication to * ' Long Livers , " was perfectly cngnis 3 nt of the fact , and this , to some minds , might almost amount to a demonstration that amongst our Speculative Masons there was all along a party and a rite who were cognizant of the designs and aiding these

Original Correspondence.

Rosicrucians . I altogether deny that his language has any reference to Operative Alchemy ; it is simply a mystical description of the " Great Work , " which was as much the object of the York High Grades in 17 S 6 , as of those of London in 16 S 6 , a seaich for that moral and religious truth which the writer mystieallyveiled under the language of alchemy , a search for the spiritual Gold and Silver of

Divine Truth . The King and Queen—Sol and Lunathe Hermetical combination of which was to give unbounded wealth , health , and everlasting life . Notwithstanding the objections of your able editor , I still maintain my original statement that the entire , dedication has reference chiefly to the Royal Arch degree . What is the gist of the whole language ? A history of a

supposed Biblical Fieemasonry . The writer claims that Masonry is a Patriarchal and Apostolical brotherhood , th e exact assertion of the Seventh Degree of "Holy Royal Arch Knights Templar Priest ; " the precise language of Laurence Dermott when he wrote about the Royal Arch last century , in his " Ahiman Rezon ; " a degree which has , moreover , strong allusions to a Trinity in Unity , upon

which Philalethes , jun ., so strongly dwells . I wonder that any can fail to see what to my own eyes is so much more palpable than I can express . The seven quadrates supported at the corners by four lions , I refer to the seven pillars , steps , or degrees , of this " Temple of Wisdom , " so stably founded that it is symbolised by the lion . My old encampments have taught

me that the French Rose Croix and Kadosh are the synonyms of the English Templar and Priest , and the Teutonic K . of Palestine , and Prince of the Royal Secret , and I do not see how we can well escape from the position , these would be again represented by the Three German Rosicrucian Grades . In regard to the enquiry as to the time immemorial list

of 1743 of the Rosy Cross in London , I may say that about 30 years ago a member of the Royal Order of Scotland published in the " Freemason ' s Quarterly " their oldest documents ; the first of these was the list I have given of their London Lodges and Chapters , and the brethren belonging thereto " revived" thc order in Edinburgh . The list is doubtless genuine , but it does not follow that

their ceremonies were the same then as now . I consider thac their position as to the Continental and English Rose Croix degrees disprove this , and I am more inclined to believe in the alteration of the Scotch than thc Continental . Some one has introduced Bruce and suspicious doggrell . Some one has blundered . Truly and fraternally yours , Jons YARKER .

A MARKED MASON . To the Editor of thc " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — An extract from thc " Sunday Times " appears in your columns of the 28 th inst ., stating that the Hervey Lodge , No . 1260 , sued on October 10 th , in the County

Court of Westminster , a gentleman for ten guineas initiation fees , and five guineas subscription . The definition gentleman will pass unnoticed ; it is , however , unfortunate that an omission by a section of our Craft should be brought forward within the walls of a County Couit . Omission appears to apply both to plaintiffs and defendant . In our Book of Constitutions . Daire 86 , clause 0 .

deals with initiation fees , and continues , " nor shall a lodge on any pretence , remit or defer thc payment of any part of this sum . " 1260 has evidently allowed the candidate to defer payment both of fees and subscription . The clause continues with , " The member who proposes a

candidate must be responsible to thc lodge for all the fees payable on account of the initiation . Let us hope he will yet renew faith with those who received him into our fraternity of square dealings , and yet become a bright and shining light , a Mark Mason in place of a " Marked " one . Fraternally yours , J . E . I . , 14 ^ 8 .

INSTRUCTION . To the Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — 1 am deputed by several brothers ( all M . M . 's ) to solicit your reply to the following question : " Is it right for four , six , or more brothers to meet in a public-house or private residence ( always with thc utmost privacy ) , for mutual instruction in Masonry . "

Your kind and explicit reply to the above through your valuable publication will oblige . Sir and brother , yours fraternally , Mesicus . [ Wc can see no harm in it , provided it is purely a private and friendly meeting . A Lodge of Instruction is , however , the preferable way of obtaining such instruction . —Eu . ]

SPURIOUS FREEMASONRY . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Thc enclosed handbill was placed in my hands last evening , and I find that numbers are being distributed through this town , — "SPECIAL NOTICE . — 'EAIU . or DAI . KIETII COUHT , ' OF THE

UNITEO ORDEII OF FREEMASONS FRIENDLY SOCIETY , Kingston-upon-Hull District ( Registered according to Act ol Parliament ) . —The above Court , will initiate at the following low scale 011 Tuesday , November 7 th , 1876 , and every second Tuesday thereafter for a short time : —From 16 years of age to 21 , 2 s . 6 d . ; from 21 years of age to 30 , is . 6 d .: from 30 years of age to 3 ; , 5 s . od . ; from

33 years of age to 40 , "s . Od . 'I his is an opportunity rarely to be met with . £ 12 at the death of a member ; £ 10 at the death of a member's wife ; £ 8 at the death of a second wife ; 10 s . per week for sickness for the first six months , 7 s . Od . for the next six months , and js . per week for the third six months ; id . per mile allowed to brothers travelling in search of employment . Free to receive sick and funeral

Original Correspondence.

benefits in six months . Contributions . —iod . per fortni ght clear of all levies . The above Court will be opened on Tuesday , November 7 th , at 7 . 30 p . m ., when all parties wishing to become members can be made . I should be glad to hear from you , if there are no means of ureventinrr this club from assuming a name to whiM ,

they have evidently no legal right . A reply in the " Freemason " will oblige , yours trul y and fraternally , Oct . 28 th , 1876 . C . P . R . [ We know nothing of this order . It is not Masonic . — En . ]

THE "ALBURY MS . " To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — I see an advertisement respecting the above in thc " Freemason , " but should like to know so . newhat of its character , if you can kindly inform me . In the " Masonic lewel . " it anuears there is a review of

it by Bro . Hughan , P . S . G . D . of England , & c , and the editor speaks of it as follows , so a friend tells me : — " Our valued and esteemed correspondent , Bro . Wm . James Hughan , of England , has ' settled' the'Albury MS . ' in this number of the 'Jewel . ' It is wonderful how pretension and fraud will vanish away when investieated bv sUDerior intellicrence and sense . Another

Masonic debt is due to Bro . Hughan for his research and dissection of this newly attempted imposition upon the Order . " Would it not be desirable to reprint it in this country ? Yours fraternally ,

T . LEWISHAM . [ This review of Bro . W . Hughan ' s will appear in the December number of the " Masonic Magazine , " which promises to be of unusual interest , and is a double number . Orders for it should be sent at once to the Publisher , 10 , 8 , Fleet-street . —En . ]

FREEMASONRY AND THE HOME RULERS . To thc Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — If your columns are not too much engaged , I shall be pleased to hear the opinion of thc better informed brethren , as to whether a brother may belong' to both

societies . Yours fraternally , G . J . [ Members of political societies cannot join our Order as such , but out of the lodge we have nothing to do with the political opinion of members so long as they are loyal subjects , and obey the laws of the land . —Eu . l "

LOST . To the Editor of " The Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — At the installation meeting of Chaucer Lodge last Wednesday at Bro . Spencer's , Bridge House H otel , my case with my name and lodrre ( Domatic . No . 177 ' ) . written

thereon , and containing two collars , one with silver jewel , of S . W ., with Dqmatic , 177 , engraven thereon , was taken by a brother in mistake . If sa d brother will return same to me at Domatic Lodge , Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street , or to my office as below , he will greatly oblige , Yours fraternally , J . WILLING , J ., 301 , Strand , W . C ., Nov . 1 . I . P . M . 1507 , S . W . 177

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Durham.

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF DURHAM .

On Tuesday , the 24 th inst , South Shields was favoured in being selected as the place for holding , this year , the annual meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham , and great interest was manifested in the proceedings among brethren belonging to that town . The Provincial Grand Lodge was held under the Banner of St . Hilda ' s Lodge , No . 240 , Bro . H . Claughton , W . M ., who with the officers and brethren connected therewith exerted themselves to the

utmost in making the gathering a success , and the large hall of the Free Library Buildings , in which the meeting was held , was beautifully and tastefully decorated , and rendered in every way suitable for the conducting of the interesting business connected with the Craft . The Right Worshipful thc Provincial Grand Master , Bro . J . Fawcett , oecuuicd the chair of K . S ., and was sunuorted in thc chair

by Bros . Sir H . Williamson , D . P . G . M ., Victor A . Williamson , Past Grand Warden of England , P . G . S . W . J . II . Thompson , P . P . G . Supt of Works ; Bailey . P . P . G . S . D . ; Stokoe , P . P . G . J . W . j E . D . Davis , P . P . G . D . C ; Lawrence , P . P . J . G . W . ; Dr . Cook , P . P . G . S . D . ; G . White , P . P . G . J . D ; J . Hinde , P . P . S . G . D . ; J . S . Denham , P . P . G . J . W . ; Jas S . Wilson , P . P . G . Supt . of Works , & c . There

was present at the meeting , a numerous gathering 01 brethren from the various towns in the County of Durham , and , when assembled in thc hall , the sight was very interesting and attractive . The Provincial Grand Lodg ' having been opened , according to ancient custom and in due form , the W . M ' s of the several lodges made their reports , and the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master

addressed the brethren in regard to Freemasonry , after which he appointed the following officers : —Bros . Sir H . Williamson , Bart ., D . P . G . M . ; Victor Alexander Williamson , P . G . S . W . ; John Trotter , P . G . J . W . ; Rev F . Bewshar , P . G . Chaplain ; Rev J ohn Cundill , P . G . Treasurer ; Allison , P . G . Registrar ; W . H . Crookes , P . G . Secretary Robt . Candlish , P . G . S . D . ; J . Tillman , P . G . J . D . ; H . Claughton , P . G . Supt . of Works ; R . Hudson , P . G . D . of

Ceremonies ; J . Greenwell , P . G . Assistant Director '" Ceremonies ; J . T . Hope , P . G . S . B . ; Angelo Forrest , P . G ' Organist ; J . Pearson , P . G . P . ; Stewards—Bros . M . Corbett , Lodge of Industry , Gateshead ; D . P . Huntley , !> ' John , Sunderland ; R . A . Luck , Restoration , Darlington John Waugh , Earl of Durham , Chester-lc-Strcet ; J- Bar * - cr , Norman , Durham , ; and J . W . Wilks , Fraternity Stockton . Certain sums having been voted to Mason ' Schools and Charities , lodge was closed in due form . Aftc