Original Correspondence.

Original Correspondence .

[ We do not hold ourselves responsible for , or even approving of , thc opinions expressed by our correspondents , but wcwish in a spirit of fair play to all to permit—within certain necessary limits—free discussion . ]

THE ROSE CROIX GRADE . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — That the Rose Croix Grade is a wholly Christian Grade is , I beg to say , both undoubted and undeniable . That any one who is not a Christian can enter upon its " esoteric teaching" or partake of its " mysteries , " is , I venture to

believe , simply impossible . I do not quite see thc object of " Rose Croix's " original letter , but , leaving all other questions and considerations out of the case , t wish to affirm , for " conscience sake ,. ' that none but Christians can be properly members of the Rose Croix , 1 S .

This is the real difference between Craft Masonry and the High Grades ; the former is open to all Theists , the latter-only to Christians . I state this , not for controversy ' s sake , but simply as a matter of historical truth , and in justice to all . . I am , yours most fraternally , ROSY CROSS .

AN IMPORTANT QUESTION . To the Editor of thc " Freemason . " Dear Sir and ! Brothcr , — A candidate having becn cast in thc ballot , is it competent for his proposer to at once nominate him again in the same lodge ? If this be so , a persistent brother may disturb the peace

and harmony of a lodge , meeting after meeting , by continuing to bring forward a rejected candidate , unless stopped by thc W . M ., but has the VV . M . any right to veto a second or continued nomination , even after the lodge has expressed bv the ballot its disapproval of the candidate ?

As this is rather an important point , I should be glad if you could throw any light upon law or custom bearing upon this question . Perhaps some of your readers will kindly say what is usually done under such circumstances . Yours fraternally , M . M .

QUERY . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Kindly give me your definition of the following case . A brother proposes in open and regular lodge a gentleman as a candidate for Masonry , two other brethren represent to the W . M . that the gentleman is about to leave thc country for the continent for an indefinite period , as he is going for the benefit of his health . The VV . M . calls a

lodge of emergency to ballot for him , and if elected to initiate him . Query , is this in conformity with the Book of Constitutions , or , more plainly speaking , is it legal and and according to the land-marks of ourOrder ? Your reply will oblige Yours fraternally , P . M . [ Yes . See Book of Constitutions ( if he has complied with section 2 , page S 4 ) . —ED . P . M . ]

THE MEETINGS OF GRAND CHAPTER . To the Editor ofthe "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — I quite expected that some of your readers would have noticed the mistake in your report of the last meeting of Grand Chapter . It was stated that the hour of meeting had been altered from six to seven , whereas it was from

seven to six , in my opinion a very desirable alteration . You also state that the attendance was small , but it appears to me that the average number attended , it being the rule so far as 1 can judge for a companion to attend once soon after promotion to the third chair in a chapter , and then stay away all together . In my circle of friends , I have not met more than one or two companions who have been to Grand

Chapter since their first visit , while many energetic members have never been at all . Could not something be done to make the meetings more attractive ? They might hc held on the same evenings as Grand Lodge at six o ' clock , and in th it way secure a larger attendance . 1 have only been once , and I do not knowwhen I shall take the trouble to go again . I remain , yours fraternally , "THIRD PRINCIPAL . "

THE MASONIC AND CO-OPERATIVE BANK . To thc Editor ofthe "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Can any brother afford me information about the above ? What arc its claims to be considered a "Masonic " institution , as implied by its name ? Yours truly , INVESTOR .

MASONIC THR 1 IT . To the Editor ofthe " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — I do not know what may be the real motive underl ying the sentiments propounded by your correspondent signing himself "An Anxious Senior" in your last week ' s Freemason ; but 1 hope 1 may be forgiven for doubting

whether the " anxiety" expressed is born of sincerity . Whether it be true or not that Masons are less provident than other people , as is more than hinted at in this extraordinary epistle , I will leave to the individual experience of m y brethren : but as far as mv observation goes I am inclined to call it a libel on the Craft . My object , however , in writing is to ask why in thc name r - _ --- » ...... ~ . _ ., _

n _ , V common sense "An Anxious Senior" wants any special Jacilitics for the encouragement of thrift—simpl y because £ . na Ppens to be a Mason . There arc sound insurance th 5 ' building societies , savings' banks , and numerous einer beneficent agencies in existence—enough and to ¦ '¦ pare whereb y the p hilanthropic yearnings of your correspondent can be satisfied without or _ ranisin _ r anv snecial

Imancial" undertaking , dubbing itself "Masonic , " and using the square and compass to attract the unwary . We nave seen enough of such " schemes ; " and depend upon y > ^ jr , the more we keep the good old Craft out of the Hands of speculators on the name , and traders on its repu-• "lion , the better it will be for the future of Masonry , and ( He higher will he its standard from year to year . ' am , dear Sir and Brother , yours fraternally , II . M .

Original Correspondence.

THE BOYS' SCHOOL . To thc Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — In my letter of last week relating to P . W . M . ' s charges against the Boys' School , I am made to say in the last paragraph "I think I have heard enough . " It should have been , " I think 1 have said enough ! " Will you kindly insert this evident misprint and oblige Yours truly and fraternally , THE WRITER .

A CAUTION . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Seeing thc letter above named in last Saturday ' s issue , and having myself a very great regard for true ancl genuine brethren , I thank Bro . "P . M . 44 S" for his able letter , on behalf of my own lodge and Freemasonry

generally , and beg to endorse all he says in it . To-day the same individual ( from the description ) presented himself to mc , and almost used the same words as in thc above letter , I referred him to our Almoner , whom he said he had already seen , but not being able to produce his certificate , could not be relieved . He also stated that he came from Preston , and that his stock of pap ^ r got spoiled by thc

ram yesterday , at the same time producing certain tools in proof , but having read "P . M . 44 SV letter , I did not allow him to prove himself a Freemason , and refused to assist him . I also found shortly after that he was telling a falsehood , bysaying a certain brother had sent him to me , as I saw that brother within a quarter of an hour afterwards , who had never seen this individual . My promise also to discountcnanoe all impostors , and to respect true and

genuine Masons , is my excuse for troubling you to insert this in your next issue . I am , dear Sir and Brother , yours faithfully and fraternally , W . M . 345 . February iGth . P . S . Since writing the above , the W . M . from our sister lodge , No . 346 , called , from whom he got two shillings , and a promise of further aid if he called on Friday .

THE JEWS AND THE HIGH GRADES . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — " One who is Englishman , Jew , and Freemason " appears to think I have a private grudge against the Jews ; let me , before I try to explain , ask him to disabuse his mind on that score entirely , for I have not ; but , on the contrary , I

have a regard for them , their personal appearance , and their nationality , and nothing is , or was , farther from my thoughts or intentions to sneer at , or cast any reflections on , anything belonging to them . The question was asked by " Juvcns " in your issue of the 29 th , ult ., "Can a member of thc Hebrew persuasion take the Degrpes of the Rose Croix , " Sic . My answer to the

question was , and is still , that any brother M . M . is eligble ( if qualified I will add ) who can enter into its requirements . It is of course obvious , if he cannot conscientiously do so he cannot take the Degrees . 1 am still of opinion that a Jew is-a Jew . He may be an English citizen , a good and loyal one too ( whicli I am not aware I questioned ) , he may be converted to some faith

which Jews ^ do not approve , but he remains a Jew , the same as an Englishman who adopts reli gious views approved by Jews remains an Englishman , is my theory , my opinion that Jews are bom so . No religion will alter that . Your correspondent would lead one to suppose he had been made a Jew as well as a Freemason . Yours faithfully and fraternally ,

A . P . ROSE CROIX . [ We confess that with all deference to our correspondent we hardly see the "drift" of this little controversy , and have already expressed our opinion editorially on the subject . —ED . F . M . ]

Reviews.

Reviews .

THE LEEDS MASONIC EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION . Fourth Annual Report , 1 SS 0 . This little Masonic and helpful Institution , now in the fifth year of its existence , has collected a capital sum of iTgoC 13 s . gd . from various sources , mainly from the Leeds brethren , and spent £ 51 ios . 4 d . in assisting the education and partial maintenance of eight children ,

two daughters and one son ofthe late Bro . Dagliesh ; two daughters and one son of the late Bro . Shackleton ; one son of the late Bro . VV . Wilson ; and one son of the late Bro . Kearney , in 1 SS 0 . It is impossible but to wish well to the unobtrusive labours of this useful and friendl y Institution . Each of the seven lodges in Leeds takes part in the proceedings and labours of the Association .

FREEMASON FOR 1 SS 0 . George Kenning , inS , Fleet-street . The 13 th volume of the Freemason comes before us , and without saying a word in favour of our own work , we beg to announce the fact , as many brethren and libraries may be glad to possess the bound volume .

MAGAZINES . "Scribner " appears abounding in interest and marked by the highest development of artistic illustration . It is , as far as we know , without an equal in serial literature . _ "Temple Bar" is , as usual , varied and full of animation , and claims attention from its numerous circle of readers . " The Freres " promises to be an effective story .

" All the Year Round is very interesting indeed , and " Asphodel " lias great charms for a large circle . " The Antiquary " puts before us one or two ven ; striking papers . We must allude specially to Dr . Simpson ' s account of Old St . Paul's . The Shakespeare controversy is amusing .

"Journal of tho Society of Arts . " —This weekl y journal contains much that i . s useful , as well as what is worth perusal . In the last number appears a very striking paper on wood carving , by J . Hungcrford Pollen . - ' ' * ¦ Old Matured Wines and Spirits . —| . H . SiiAsn & Co ., Wine Merchants ( Kxpcrls and Valuers ) , 2 , Albert Mansions , Victoriastrcut , London , S . W . Price lists on application . —fAuvr , ]

Masonic Notes And Queries.

Masonic Notes and Queries .

ESOTERIC MASONRY . I may add to the remarks which I made on this subject last week , that the whole question of Hermeticism requires very serious and careful treatment , and cannot be simply dismissed as a needless and useless " factor " in the history of Freemasonry . I believe in this , as in everything else , the truth is " mid-ways , " and that while it is wrong to

discard the influence of Hermeticism altogether , it is equally wrong to assert in vague terms , or on unhistorical authority , that the Craft movement of 1717 was the product of , or dominated by , Hermeticism . It appears to me that Craft symbolism—Esoteric Masonry , if you like—and Hermeticism are two co-existent

concurrent forces , whose relations to , and mutual influence on each other , we have yet to ascertain . Up to the present we have , perhaps , ignored both these "factors , " but with our present opportunities there is no earthly reason why they should not meet with careful treatment , and undergo a thorough discussion . MASONIC STUDENT .

MASONIC HISTORY . Unwilling to make my " note" too long last week , I omitted to notice the two points started in Bros . Whyteliead ' s and Hughan ' s communications as regards the Hermetics , that the Blue Degrees were , according to Bros . Pike , the outcome of " Adepts in the Hermetic Philosophy , " and that the Templars were those , according to Bro . Carson ,

who banded together to preserve the landmarks of unity . " I . Certainly such a remark comes upon me by surprise , and such an idea I have never met with before . I admit , at once , that the existence of " Long Livers , " in my mind , alters the whole condition of thc evidence , as regards the High Grades , but that fact in no way affects the proceedings of 1717 , and which , unless we give up Anderson " and

Preston , and even our own records , are entirely free , apparently , from any Hermetic influence . At the same time I say this I do not , for one , deny that a Hermetic Society existed in 1717 , but we have , so far , no open traces of it that I am aware of , and none in connection with our Grand Lodge . ¦ It has always seemed to me doubtful whether we could

entirely depend upon Dermott and Oliver , to whom we are indebted ( and Oliver borrows from Dermott ) for his statement of the proceedings of 1717 . In " Kenning ' s Cyclopaedia" the names are recorded ( p . 15 S ) of those who are said to have practically elaborated the revival and ritual of 1717 . It has occurred to me that these names are taken from the list of Masters , & c , in the Constitutions of 1723 .

Some difficulties , however , occur as to these names , and Dcrmott ' s authority is only after all an " ut dicitur , " and Dermott , for various reasons , cannot be relied on . It is very unfortunate that Grand Lodge possesses no minutes or papers before 1723 , so that , so far from 1717 to 1721 is a blank in our Masonic annals . In Anderson ' s Constitutions of 1723 there are no traces

of Hermetic influences , and it is quite clear that the tendency , from that time downwards , was unfavourable to the High Grade theories . With thc exception of "Long Livers , " and which I look on as purely alchemical , perhaps the remains of Ashmole ' s old Hermetical Astrological Society , we have no trace that I know of , until 177 S , when a " Rite of

Perfection , " according to some German writers , was " existing under Robert Lintott . Of this chapter , nothing , I believe , now is known , though the earlier minutes may exist . No trace , that I am aware of , has so far , been found of them . Perhaps some Hi gh Grade brother can give us some information on this point . I shall , therefore , be interested in hearing how Bro . Pike proves the existence of a Hermetic Society in England , in 1717 , and if hc will point cut how its influence was manifested . I repeat , nevertheless , that an Hermetic Society may have existed . 11 . The Templar perpetual theory of Bro . Carson is still more untenable . His words are judiciously vague as

to the " time when , " and the " place where they met . " Do what you will you cannct get them to York before 17 S 0 , and very little earlier in the south . I have seen dates given of 1740 and 1750 , but I have as yet seen no proof of such " facts . "

MASONIC STUDENT . STEPHEN MORIN . As regards Stephen Morin , it is now quite clear that the whole matter rests upon a mistake . Bro . Mackenzie does not yet seem to realize the fact that in 1764 , as Levesque points out , two Grand Lodges of France , owing to intestine stiife , prevailed , and that Thory ' s words refer to these

two bodies , and the Council of the Emperors . It is a very pretty theory , but is historically indefensible , and , as regards 1717 , it is clearly inadmissible . Or he may have alluded to the Grand Lodge of St . John of Perfection , a different body from the Grand Lodge of France . It is again equally clear that thc proceedings in re Martin had nothing legitimately to do with these in re Morin .

If a Symbolic Grand Lodge in Paris claimed in 176410 have anything to do , qua a Grand Lodge , with the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Perfection , & c , in 1761 , the matter is too absurd to deserve any further notice . Both Thory and Besuchet concur in the statement , which Levesque also preserves , and the very words of the patent show that the act was thc act of the " Council of the

Emperors , "and that no real concordat as to the Hi gh Grades took place until 1772 , though a question had arisen about it in 1766 . lhere could , however , be no possible legal question of revision or reconsideration of a patent granted m 1761 b y a competent and different body . Indeed , the terms of the minute triven bv Bro .

Mackenzie are a clear proof that the supposition that the Symbolic Grand Lodge could grant a patent to Martin to establish High Grades , when then it had nothing to do with High Grades , or that it could supersede a patent which it had never granted , is too absurd to treat seriously . I have onl y taken up the question as a matter of history , as the validity of Stephen Morin ' s patent appears to me incontestable , MASONIC STUDENT .