Reviews.

larize , but will merely add that the two articles on the Revised Version of the New Testament and Dean Swift seem to stand out remarkably for notice , study , consideration , and respectful perusal . The fate of the Revised Testament has been a sad one , a melancholy instance of the mutability of human opinion , and the fallaciousness of earthly plans and proposals . Great things , wonderful things were expected from it , but the prophets have been

" discounts , and the prophecies have signally failed . As an authoriiy its doom is sealed . It has , with the exception of a small and noisy party , never been accepted by the thoroughly learned , expert , careful , and critical scholars of the age , and it represents in its fullest outcome nothing but the " ideas " and inchoate utterances of a passing school of thought and special tendency amongst us . ' We do not concern ourselves with the noisy acclamation or vehement

attacks of this intriguer or that defender of the revision . For its lasting value and authority , a critical "consensus " is wanting , and the great mistake of Drs . Hort and Westcott appears to be this , that whereas their new test , their latest revision , rests more or less on the " Sinaitic MS ., " a happy and fortuitous discovery of Tischendorff , for which they now seem to claim all but infallibility and almost finality , " Causa iinita est . " Thev shut out of sight

the possibility , nay , the probability , of an earlier MS . turning up , which may upset all their wonderful deductions and all their dogmatic assertions . We apprehend that by far the safer way is to accept i consensus of authorities and readings , and not to lean slavishly to this or that MS ., this or that reading . There are MSS . and MSS ., and readings and readings ; and each MS . must be carefully considered alike in its external and internal evidence , the age it was

written in , the text it displays , and many attendant circumstances which are familiar to experts , before we can , however high its relative or assumed value may appear to be , pronounce safely or fitly on its absolute authority in the o-reat and sacred work of Biblical archaeology , revision , and interpretation . It seems a great pity that the high authority of Dr . Scrivener should have been overlooked or put on one side , and a Greek text adopted and translated

from , with semi-barbarous and pedantic English in many places , which neither commends itself to the ears , the taste , the scholarship of Englishmen . We recommend , however , our readers who arc able to follow such an article to study it for themselves , as well as the answer to it which the Times lately gave . For ourselves , we feel pretty sure that we are still far from having reached the limits of the pakcographic stud y of the Bible . We yet may find an earlier MS . than the " Sinaitic , " which may throw a still

greater light on the MSS . used and quoted by the early writers . One thing we never can agree to , which is this , — that one or ; two writers , or a band of scholars , however able , can safely and arbitrarily select one or two MSS ., even the earliest extant , and base thereon a revision to the exclusion of all other MSS ., and all other writers , using the one common authority , without doubt or debate . But , like a good many other things , nowadays , this Revised New Testament is only another proof of hasty resolves and immature conclusions .

Masonic Notes And Queries.

Masonic Notes and Queries .

THE "MASTER KEY" AND OTHER CURIOUS WORKS . Bro . J . Horner Neilson ( of Dublin ) has kindly sent me an old book to examine , in illustration of the interesting communication from the " Masonic Student " on the ist inst . Its short title is " A Master-Key to Free-Masonry , price a British six-pence , " but its inside description is much larger . It was " printed for T . Burd , at the Temple

Exchange Coffee-house , Fleet-street , " and is dated MDCCLX ( 1760 ) ( Svo . viii . 4 Spp . ) . It is not the same as " Hiram , " & c , and in many respects not like the ordinary works of the kind and period , particularly as to the Master Mason's Degree , the first part evidently being a " hash up " from a book of some thirty years earlier at least . The first edition of "Hiram , or Grand Master Key , " was , I believe , in

17 G 4 ( No . 553 Carson ) . The one alluded to above of 1760 , is No . S 75 in Bro . Carson's " Bibliography , " who terms it "an exceedingly scarce and curious pamphlet . " According to Dr . Kloss ( No . 1 SG 7 ) two editition were issued in 17 G 0 , the one in Bro . Neilson's library Leing the first . The copy by "W . O . V . M ., " alluded to by " W . M ., " in the Freemason of the 15 th ult ., appears to me to be of A . D . 1 S 11 , and occurs in Dr . Kloss ' s " Bibliographic , " No .

iSSS . Neither of these works are the same as the one noticed by " Masonic Student , " called "The Free-Mason Stripped Naked , " which , according to Dr . Kloss was first issued in 17 G 9 . 1 never wrote about these matters without wishing Bro . Cafson would complete his " Masonic Bibliography , " which so provokingly left off at " Picart , " the remaining portion being often much wanted . I feel sure there are many who would gladly subscribe for so excellent a compilation . VV . J . HUGHAN .

MR . COLLINS . Is Mr . Collins , by chance alluded to in the Locke MS . Evidences , the Mr . Collins , supervisor of Bristol , who was born at Oxford , 1642 , and of whom Messrs . Ellis and White , of Bond-street , have a fine portrait , dated 1 G 76 , in their remarkable list of engravings , & c , just puulishcd . MASONIC STUDENT .

DANIEL HINTZE . Who was Daniel Hintzc said to be mixed up with ? L . ile Lintot , in the Chapter of the Perfect Observance of Rose Croix of Herodom , about 1770 . M . S .

LAMBERT DE LINTOT . Did P . Lambert , or Lambert de Lintot , publish any other engravings about 178 9 ? Perhaps we may be able to have hi 111 in this way . M . S . Several of the prints described by " Masonic Student , " or very similar ones , are to be seen in the collection of the number Lodge , No . 57 , at Hull . I feel quite sure that P . Lambert and P . Lambert de Lintot were one and the same Person , and a close examination of the mystical designs alluded to shows that they were the work of the same artist .

Masonic Notes And Queries.

Lintot was evidently a dealer in , if not an inventor of " Degrees , " and published his prints as an aid to his business . His correspondence with Edinburgh shows that he was engaged in the introduction into the South of any Masonic novelties he could secure . T . B . WHYTEHEAD .

CHINESE SECRET SOCIETIES . In the current number of the " Gentleman ' s Magazine , " there is a story by Mr . F . Boyle , which has a certain interest for us . He calls it "A Story of the Hues , " and the whole tragic narrative rests upon the machinations and mysteries of certain secret societies of China . I quote what lie says on this subject;— " It is necessary to say something

of the Hwuys ( the word is spelt Hue in Singapore , Australia , California , and other lands where white men have their notice drawn , perforce , to these associations ) . The number of Chinese secret societies is much greater , doubtless , than Europeans have discovered ; but fifty , at least , have been identified with more or less exactness , all , or very nearly all , containing elements which may militate against public

order . 1 he whole subject is fascinating , but at this moment we are concerned only with the two chief Hwuys , the T'icn Ti and the Wu-wei-Ke . iou—the Heaven and Earth , or Triad , and the Do Nothing , or White Lily , often mistranslated into . No Hypocrisy . The former of these is so ancient that it claims to have been instituted by the mystical Emperor Yas , but , until the last Tartar conquest it

appears to have been no more than a philosophic mystery of high metaphysical aims and benevolent intentions . Its symbols , ceremonies , and usages are sufficiently wellknown to prove that the T'ien-Ti Hwuy and European Freemasonry sprang from the same root , and diverged in times so modern comparatively , that the proceedings at initiation and even the words are substantilly the same . If any reader doubts this fact , before cavilling let him consult

Gustav Schlegel ' s translation of a text book which he got hold of . " Again , he says , " The name Taeping is that of a recognised order in the T'ien Ti Association , and the title Wang , originally assumed by the leader of the movement ( the Taeping rebellion ) , is the precise equivalent of our Provincial Grand Master in Masonry . " Mr . Boyle gives some other particulars , but my object in calling attention to this is to ask if any of your readers can say where Schlegel ' s translation of the 'Text Book is to be seen . T . B . WHYTEHEAD .

Opening Of A Masonic Hall At Aylesbury.

OPENING OF A MASONIC HALL AT AYLESBURY .

On Wednesday , the 3 rd inst ., the public hall which has for some months been in course of erection for the local Freemasons ( Buckingham Lodge . 591 ) , and which is situated in Ripon-street , was formally opened . The buildinc stands on what used to be the site of the

^ Xold Racquet Court , and its frontage is 52 feet . In design it is Gothic , with the exception of the roof , which is modern slated . It is built of red brick with Corsham stone dressings . The Racquet Court originally occupied the basement , but for the purposes of the new building eight additional feet have been built upon . The basement now consists ot a large room 47 ft . G in . long by 24 ft . wide , with

14 ft . G in . height from floor to ceiling . At the entrance to this , on the right is a kitchen , with suitable appliances , and to the left a retiring room and other offices . On the upper floor , approached by a staircase of pleasing design is a room immediately above the lower one , and similar to it in dimensions with the exception of hei ght , which is less . To this light is admitted by large skylights , the ceiling b

being supported y ornamental timber baulks . To the front of this room , corresponding with the small apartment below , are a cloak-room and ante-room , on the left and right respectively . The boundary of the building in Ripon-street is marked by a low wall , surmounted by pretty iron palisading , and leading up to the entrance are three stone steps . Right in

front is a porch , at each side of which is a stone column with Corinthian cap , while over the entrance door is a large glass fanlight , and let into the wall is a solid stone with the inscription in plain letters , surrounded by a Horal device , " Masonic Hall , 1 SS 2 . " Both the main rooms have fireplaces in them , as have the other apartments where necessary . The place is lighted throughout with

gas , and the internal appearance generally is neat and pleasing . Mr . Luckett has been both architect and builder , and the manner in which he has carried the work to a completion reflects great credit upon him . The whole cost of additions and alterations together has been a little under £ 500 , and the work was commenced about November last .

The building , winch could scarcely be said to have been habitable in a strict sense of the word on Tuesday night was yet so thoroughly metamorphosed by the zeal and energy of the Building Committee , under the direct supervision of the W . M ., that on Wednesday it presented quite a comfortable appearance , and the brethren were equally astonished and delighted at the change . 'The company

which assembled for the occasion numbered some sixty , including the greater part of the home members , augmented by visitors from other lodges , among whom were the Provincial Grand Master of Berks and Bucks , Sir Daniel Gooch , Bart , ALP . ; the Deputy Provincial Grand Master , Rev . J . S . Brownrigg ; the Provincial Grand Secretary , Bro . Bradley ; and other distinguished Present and

Past Grand Officers of the province . The Rev . J . STUDIIOI . JIE BROWNRIGG performed the ceremony of consecration . Having opened the lodge in ancient and solemn form shortly after one o ' clock , he immediately proceeded with the ceremony of consecration , which was carried out according to Masonic formula . He then delivered the following- oration : The consecration of

the first Masonic Hall in Buckinghamshire takes place to-day under the auspices of the oldest lodge in the county . It is well fitting that this should be so , and I hope that the day will not be far distant when every large town in this county will have its Masonic Hall . Permit me for a few moments to bring under your notice some of the reasons why I congratulate the brethren of the Buckingham Lodge ,

Aylesbury , upon what they have done , and why I commend the work they have finished to-day to other lodges as most worthy of imitation . In the first place , brethren , it always seems to me that the dignity of our Masonic ceremonies is greatly enhanced when they are conducted in a room specially designed for them . The moment when the candidate first sees the light of a Masonic lodge is one which forcibly impresses itself upon his memory . How often h

Opening Of A Masonic Hall At Aylesbury.

this impression marred by the unsuitableness of the room . The furniture may be perfect and costly ; the work may be well and eloquently done ; every officer may know his part ; but the whole is almost spoiled by the dingy appearance of the room , out of harmony with the whole ceremony , and associated perhaps in the mind of the candidate with scenes neither solemn nor edifying . How infinitely greater is the eflect upon the mind when to good work- and good furniture

there is added a well arranged Masonic Hall . I congratulate you on what your architect has done for you . Your building is good and impressive . If hereafter you see fit to add something in the matter of decoration you may even make it more perfect ; but here you will still want the master hand of your architect—every colour must be carefully chosen , every design carefully drawn . Do not I pray you , by over eagerness , make glaring and what

tawdry , , even without any decoration , is beautiful . But to turn to another reason why the step you have taken is a most happy one . It makes you independent of the public hotel . And do not mistake me here . I have no desire to say anything offensive to that extremely respectable body of men , the keepers of hotels at which lodges meet . I can certainly in this province speak from personal experience of the courtesy with which

many of them , Freemasons themselves , have done , and are doing their best , not simply for the sake of gain , to advance the cause of our Craft . Wc do not wish to dispense with their help or their services , but still I think it is a very great thing that a lodge should meet independent of any house of refreshment . In the early days of Freemasonry in England this was not possible—the lodge was then too often part and parcel of the public-house—its very name was

that of the sign which hung over the door . And what was the result ? 'The world said , and often said truly , that our chief business was to dine . The accusation was , of course , false as a whole , but there were some cases in which the charge was true , and it had , I believe , become true owing to the lack of independence as regards a lodge room . It was impossible to meet without doing something for the good of the house , and what was good for the house was

often bad for the lodge . And , brethren , we are living in times when it is specially important that we should , as Masons , be perfectly independent on this matter . Masonry is now , more than ever , a power in this country for good or for evil . 'There are many social questions not immediately connected with it , of which it must more or less take cognisance . Certainly one great social question of the present day is how all excess , whether of food or drink : how

all bodily indulgences may be kept within the compass of propriety . Let us , as Masons , try and show the world that we can meet for work and for refreshment without allowing the latter to take undue prominence ; let us try and make our ordinary Masonic banquets simple and less expensive ; not refusing God ' s creatures , let us use and not abuse them . The fact that you are independent of the publichouse will make this easier to you ; andin conclusionlet

, , me express a hope that the work we have so happily accomplished to-day may bind us all together in renewed brotherly love and affection . Let your new home never hear any discordant sound . Wherever there is life there must be progress . Differences of opinion , to some extent , must exist where men meet together ; but they may exist without hurt if they are not allowed to drive out that brotherly love , which in deed , as well as in name , should be our

distinguishing characteristic Leave behind , then , in old lodgeroom anything which your conscience tells you had better not bring here . Bring only the memory of those old associations which have endeared the Craft to you ; and may the future of your lodge be no less creditable to you than the past . At the . conclusion of the ceremony , votes of thanks were unanimously accorded to the D . P . G . M . and to Sir Daniel

Gooch for their attendance , and the hall having been declared duly consecrated , the whole company retired to the George Hotel , where they partook of a cold collation , under the presidency of Bro . Lewis Poulton , Worshipful Master of the lodge . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts , interspersed with songs and glees , rendered under the direction of Bro . S . Hales , were proposed and duly honoured , and after several hours' enjoyment , the proceedings were brought to a satisfactory close .

Masonic Concert And Ball At Manchester.

MASONIC CONCERT AND BALL AT MANCHESTER .

A concert and dance in connection with the Derby Lodge 1055 , organised by Bro . H . P . Davis , took place at the Masonic Rooms , Bedford-street , Bury New-road , last week . vVe may remark " en passant" that this was the last of a series of these entertainments which had been « iven during the season , and were organised to reduce a debt which had the

Deen Hanging over lodge and chapter since their first occupancy of these rooms , caused by the large expenditure 111 connection with furnishing the same . VVe are happy to state the debt has considerabl y decreased , and it is more than probable that if the same unity and perseverance is continued for another year , the debt will have ceased to exist . 1 he entertainment provided was a very o-ood one . the first of the

In part entertainment Bro . Alfred Lewtas 15 SS , sang very finely the song " Tom Hardy , " which was deservedly encored . Bro . 'Thomas Campbell ' s pianoforte solo , fantasia from "Oberon , " was well rendered , and Miss Bowes , Miss A . h . Davis , and Bro . R . R . Lisenden also contnbuted songs in the first part , which was brought to a close by the performance of " une petite comedietta

, " entitled "The Governess , " most admirably enacted by three young sisters of Bro . H . P . Davis . In the second part , Professor Lc Mare , who kindly volunteered his services , performed some really clever tricks of legerdemain , for which he was loudly and deservedl y applauded . Bro . Lewtas sang " The Postillion , " which this time roused the audience to enthusiasm resulting in an encorefor

, , which "A Warrior Bold was given . Bro . Campbell gave a piccolo solo , " lhe Keel Row , " with variations . Bro . Campbell was skilfully accompanied on the piano by Miss Davis ; and Miss Minnie P . Davis recited "Lord Ulhns Daughter" remarkably well . Bro . Davis ' s song , We was a careful man , " was humorously rendered . The entertainment . was brought to a close with a sonir . the

subject of which was one of somewhat questionable taste . A most enjoyable dance followed , and the successful gathering terminated at three a . m . Bro . Thomas Campbell , who played the accompaniments of the songs and dance music , is certainly a valuable acquisition to this lodge , and deserves the thanks of all concerned for his untiring exertions during the evening .