Reviews.

Reviews .

THE DISCREPANCIES OF FREEMASONRY . BV REV . G . OLIVER , D . D . John Hogg & Co . We are among those who always welcome all contributions to the common store of Masonic archaeological literature , even when we do not agree with the views of the writers , and we

certainly are always glad to peruse the works of our able Bro . Dr . Oliver . The work before us is a posthumous publication by Bro . Hogg of a MS ., as we understand , purchased at Bro . R . Spencer ' s sale . It is rather curious to note that three posthumous works of Dr . Oliver ' s are now

before the Masonic reading public . The Pythagorean Triangle , the book before us , and the Hermesian Analglyph , now appearing monthly in the " Masonic Magazine . " And one thing , we think , is incontestable , that Bro . Dr . Oliver ' s name keeps , so to say , the Masonic market . And we do not wonder at it , for , despite some obvious

faults , our Bro . the Dr . was a man of great reading , great industry , and much acumen . At the same time all great men have their faults , and our good old teacher was not exempt from them , as indeed no one is . We are among those who think that he often touched on subjects be had better have left in repose . There can be no doubt that to Dr . Oliver the realistic school of

Masonic writers owes its origin , and we seem following his example too ergerly , and to be pushing things to extremes just now in many matters , alike in over publication and in uncalledfor confidences . The public does not want our extreme expansivencss and readiness of

explanation , and the Craft is none the better for it . We especially object to public discussions on the niinuti . x of the ritual—and we have always regretted that Dr . Oliver set an example , which has been too readily followed by the discussion of matters only to be properly treated of in lodge .

Interesting as this posthumous MS . of the Dr . ' s is , and we do not at all find fault with Bro . Hogg for publishing it , yet , we feel , it will strike many , as it has struck us , that it deals with many subjects , hardly suitable for general publication or discussion . Not that we fear publicity or

discussion , or object to scientific research , or intellectual studies ; far from it . But the archaeology of Freemasonry is one thing , the arcana of Freemasonry is another , and while we all hail investigation into and publication of the former , we deprecate explanation of and publication of

the latter . Readable and animated as the little work is , we doubt somewhat whether it will add much to the writer ' s Masonic or literary fame . There are one or two glaring errors as to matter of fact and archaeological accuracy , and we think that as a work on the whole it is hastily put together and hurriedly woiked out . Still we will

not be either too fastidious , or too hypercritical , or " look , " as they say , a " gift horse in the mouth ; " and so we hope that this last publication of our reverend and worthy brother may find a considerable circle of appreciating Masonic readers . As Masonic students we thank Bro . Hogg for another contribution to Masonic literature , w .

ILLUSTRATEO PRICE LIST OV MASONIC CLOTHING . Price 5 s . GEORGE KENNING . Third Edition . Despite an apparent inconvenience in the matter , we cannot ourselves see why we should not notice here all publications coming bona fide from our

publisher . Whether some may cavil , or others complain , we , to say the truth , care very little , and we therefore in the first place beg to call the attention of all lodges and brethren to that very interesting establishment which is now open at 1 , 2 and 3 , Little Britain , and which reflects the

highest credit on the skill of the architect , and the energy of Bro . Kenning . We believe that we are warranted in saying that if our brethren like to take their wives , and daughters , and sisters , and sweethearts with them when they visit this unique Masonic Emporium , Bro .

Kenning will be glad that they shall see the rooms , alike for work and show , and sure we are they will be much pleased with the same . — Bro . Kenning ' s elaborate and artisticall y executed " Price List , " a speciality in its way , is an evidence both of a happy conception by himself , and a most successful execution by the printers ,

Reviews.

Messrs . Reeves . We beg to repeat , the exhibition at 1 , a , and 3 , Little Britain , is worth a visit . w . THE R OYAL MASONIC CYCLOV . ; EDIA . Edited by BRO . KENNETH R . H . MACKENZIE . Bro .

John Hogg . Part 2 of this new undertaking is before us , and leaves us about half way through the letter G . Jt seems to be progressing carefully and well , and evidences a considerable amount of

hard work , alike in research and study . If we do not agree with every position of its undoubtedly able editor , we like the frankness of his statements , and the honest manner in which he

propounds his own opinions . We think that all such handbooks are most useful to Masonic students , and we can honestly and sincerely say , we wish fraternally all success to the Royal Masonic Cyclopaedia . w .

THE CITY DIARY FOR 1876 . W . H . COL - "" LINGRIDGE . "City Press" Office . We have received and looked over this diary , and like it much . It is neat , compact , and handy , and we think is likely to be acceptable to many

business men and students . The cheapness of price , one shilling , strikes us as something very remarkable , even in these days of cheap everything . We can safely commend it to the notice of our many readers . w .

THE CHRISTMAS NUMBER OF THE "GRAPHIC . " The Christmas number of this illustrated periodical will , we doubt not , be very acceptable

to a large number of readers , especially our juvenile "lot , " as the irreverent youth term them ; Miss Thompson ' s splendid picture will be much and justly admired . \ v .

Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution.

ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION .

The monthly meeting of the Committee of this institution was held on Wednesday at Freemasons' Hall , Bro . Lieut .-Col . Creaton , V . l \ , in the chair . There were also present Bros . S . Rawson , Benj . I lead , Thomas W . White , A . H . Tattcrshall , Charles Laccy , John Constable , C . F . Hogard , | ames Brett , W . Stephens , W . Hilton , John

Bellerby , J . A . Farnficld , R . H . Giraud , A . A . Richards , John Newton , Thomas Cubitt , F . Adlard , J . Ebcnezcr Saunders , and James Terry ( Secretary ) . The Secretary reported that one of the candidates had died since last meeting . The alterations at the asylum had not bucn completed , owing to the unfavourable weather . The inmates of the institution were very happy , and

expressed themselves thoroughly satisfied with the arrangements for their comfort . Seven candidates were placed on the list for election , after which a letter was read from Dr . Strong , the honorary surgeon to the institution , respecting the insufficient water supply and sewer system at the asylum . The letter enclosed a plan showing the piping on the premises . On

the motion of Bro . C . K Hogard , the motion was referred to the House Committee to consult the architect immediately , and have the necessary remedies applied at once . Bro . James Terry , Secretary , asked for and obtained the permission of the Committee for the use of the hall and rooms , at the commencement of the new year , for the purpose of giving the old people a new year ' s dinner and entertainment , for which the requisite funds were now

coming 111 . The Chairman , before the Committee separated , said that as this was the last time the Committee would meet this year , he wished them and theirs a very happy Christmas . Bro . J . Constable : Allow us , Bro . Chairman , most heartily to reciprocate your kind wish . The Committee then adjourned .

Grand Lodge Of Ireland.

GRAND LODGE OF IRELAND .

At the stated meeting of Grand Lodge , held on the 2 nd of December , the following were elected Grand Officers for 1876 : — Grand Master , His Grace the Duke of Abercorn , K . G . Senior Grantl Warden , the Marquis of Headfort .

Junion Grand Warden , Lord Dunboyne . Grand Treasurer , Arthur Bushe . Grand Secretary , Viscount Bernard . Grand Chaplains , Rev . John J . Macsorley , Rev . Lord Plunket . Senior Grand Deacon , the Hon . David Plunket , Q . C .,

M . P . Junior Grand Deacon , Alderman Joseph Manning . Grand Superintendent of Works , George A . Stephens . Giand Director of Ceremonies , Theophilus E . St . George Grantl Steward , George Moyers , LL . D . Grand Sword Bearers , Harry Hodges , George Moyers . Grand Organist , Charles O . Grandison . Grand Inner Guard , Humphrey Minchin , M . B .

_ WIPE Youit FEET . —The best Cocoa Nut Mats and Matting arc made by Trcloar and Sons , ( io , Ludgate Hill .

Masonic And General Tidings.

Masonic and General Tidings .

The De Grey and Ripon Chapter , No . 1356 , will be consecrated at the Masonic Hall , Hope-street , Liverpool , on "Wednesday , Dec . 22 , at three o'clock . Comps . B . B . Marson will be the first M . E . Z . ; Joseph Bell , the first M . E . H . ; and R . Brown the first M . E . J .

The officers and staK of the Royal Naval College , Greenwich , are preparing a petition to the Grand Master for a warrant for a lodge , to be called the Royal Naval College Lodge , and held within the precincts of the College . ROYAI . MASONIC INSTITUTION FOU GIRLS . —A special General Court of the Governors and Subscribers of this Institution will be held at Freemasons' Hall this day ( Saturtlav ) , at twelve o ' clock .

The name of Bro . S . G . Homfray , A . G . D . C . and D . P . G . M . Monmouthshire , was omitted in our report of the meeting of the United Grantl Lodge . The engraving of the Installation is rapidly approaching completion . A photograph of it was exhibited by Bro . E . M . Haigh , at the dinner given by the Grand Stewards

to Dr . Erasmus Wilson on Monday week . Bro . Harty informs us that among the subscribers are the King of Sweden , the Swedish deputation , the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland , and the Irish deputation . He also expects to have the Emperor of Germany , the King of the Belgians , several other crowned heads , antl the Khedive .

At the last regular meeting , on Monday , the 6 th inst ., of the Library Committee of the Corporation of London , of which Bro . John Symonds , P . G . A . D . C , has been the chairman for the year , the following resolution was unanimously passed : — " That the Committee desire to express to their Chairman John Symonds , Esq ., their sincere and hearty

thanks for the zealous and efficient manner in which he has discharged the arduous and important duties of his office during the past year , and for the readiness with which he has devoted himself to the consideration of every question which has had for its object the extension of the usefulness

of the great public institution entrusted by the Corporation to their care . Whilst appreciating the constant anxiety for the development of the resources of the Library , his colleagues desire also to acknowledge their sense of the invariable courtesy which characterized his demeanour towards every member .

The Christmas number of the "Freemason" will consist of 32 pages , ami will contain a portrait of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , Most Worshipful Grand Master . The price of this number to non-subscribers will be fourpence . Bro . H . R . H . Prince Leopold has been elected Worshipful Master of the Apollo University Lodge , Oxford , for the ensuing year .

On Monday evening , the 6 th inst ., Bro . Charles Du Val , an entertainer of a high order , gave his entertainment , " Odds ami Ends , " at the Concert Hall , Liscard , near Birkenhead , in aid of the Cheshire Masonic Educational Institution . The effort enjoyed the patronage of Bro . the Right Hon . Lord de Tabley , R . W . P . G . M . ; Bro . G . C . Legh , D .

P . G . M . ; the officers of the P . G . Lodge of Cheshire ; and the W . M . 's , Wardens , and officers of Lodges 477 and 537 , Birkenhead ; 605 and 1276 , Seacombe ; and 1289 , Rock Ferry . Bro . Du Val generously repeated his clever entertainment al Birkenhead and Rock Ferry on Tuesday and Wednesday lor the same object .

Next week we shall publish a paper issued from the Chancery of the Order of the Temple , and which throws considerable light upon the compilation and authorship of the new statutes of the Order , about which so much has been written in the " Freemason . " By the time our paper is in the hands of our readers , Great Priory will be sitting at Cannon-street Hotel ( why not at Freemasons'Tavern ?) ,

and considerable discussion is likely to ensue on the operation of , the statutes , which appear to find scant favour in many quarters . The supporters of the new regime aver that the operation of the new statutes must be beneficial in the end , their tendency being to raise the Order in social status , and so approximate more nearly to the Ancient Knights .

The ceremony of installation will be rehearsed in the Confidence Lodge of Instruction on Wednesday , the 15 th inst ., by Bro . S . L . Hickman , W . M . 188 , at Bro . Gosden ' s , Masons' Hall Tavern , Masons' Avenue , Basinghall-strcct , E . C . The lodge will be opened at 5 . 50 .

'Ihe " Masonic Magazine" will , on and after January , 18 7 6 , be enlarged to 48 pages . The Leopold Lodge No . 1571 , was consecrated on Tuesday last . A report of the proceedings will appear in our next . Volumes 1 and 2 of the " Masonic Magazine " are now ready , price ns . 6 d . each .

HEALTH , comfort , and economy promoted . Gas superseded in day time , and daylight reflected in darK rooms by adopting Chappuis' Patent Daylight Retltxlois . Manufactory , 60 , Fleet-street , London .