Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Contents.
CONTENTS .
LEADERS
CORRESPONDENCEObselete Words % fi The Grand Priory of Canada 656 The Boys * Preparatory School 656 Provincial Preferment O 56 How * Statistics are Published 657
Donations to the Charities 65 ; French Alasonic Terminology 6 57 Neptune Lodge , No . 1264—llenevolcnt Fund . " . f > S 1 Reviews 658
Masonic Notes and Queries 65 S Banquet and Presentation to liro . the Farl of Utliom , R . W . n . G . M OjS REPORTS or MASONIC
MEETINGSCraft Masonry fijq Instruction 661 Mark Masonry 6 O 1 Ancient and Accepted Rite GO 2 Canada 063 France .. fihr *
The Theatres 66 3 Music 66 3 Science and Art 6 ( 13 Masonic and General Tidings , C 6 4 Lodge Meetings for Next Week ... 3 rd p . Cover .
Ar00101
THE very interesting proceedings which took place recently at Bath , at the Centenary meeting of the Royal Cumberland Chapter , deserve notice and remembrance . Before a vcry brilliant assembly of companions of the Order , Col . ADAIR , the Prov . Grand Superintendent , M . H . Comp . G . S . E . Col . SiJADwr * Lr . H . CLERKE , Comp . Col . SOMERVILLE- 'B URNEY , this
interesting commemoration took place . We note the fact that M . E . Comp . HOWES , Z ., is the first companion honoured with a Centenary medal , the gift of the chapter . Our readers will peruse the account with much pleasure , remembering the great services rendered to Craft and Koyal Arch Masonry by our venerable and excellent Comp ., Bro . Dr . HOVKINS .
* # IT is a pleasing sight , amid some dreadful facts and many sorrowful proceedings in Ireland , to turn to the happy anniversary ol the golden wedding of our very distinguished brother , the Grand Master Ireland , his Grace the Duke of ABERCORN . There are lew persons who have more claim to the
respect and regard of his brother Masons , and of the public at large , than that distinguished statesman and ruler of our Order , who has won for himself not only the great blessing of family affection and devotion , but the respect of all classes and the attachment of his Craft . Wc shall aU feel
deep interest and sympathy in the account of the family gathering at Barons Court , which appeared in our last issue , and shall wish our noble brother many years of health and strength , and peaceful and happy domestic life .
WE are appealed to , week after week , by enthusiastic friends of the " Moghrcb al Aksa , " Tangicrs , to allow counter statements and rectifications to appear of what the writers complain of as partial and prejudiced in our columns . Our answer last week must suffice once for all . Wc cannot go over old ground again and again ; we do not wish to re-open old sores ;
we have spoken frankly , if with no uncertain voice ; without partiality , and without prepossessions . It would seem as if the writers of these letters were still in ignorance at Gibraltar and Tangiers of the deliberate determination and action of the authorities of the Grand Lodge of Manitoba . We would
invite our good friends to read the official letter of the Grand Secretary of Manitoba , which appeared in an impression a week' or two ago , and they will see , we venture to think , the justice of our past remarks , and the Masonic loyalty of our present position in this most untoward controversy .
THE subject matter of the Great Priory of Canada , to which Bro . HOLMES ' S letter refers , appears to us * to be in a vcry considerable haze . If we understand the last official reports aright , whicii we print elsewhere , from the Montreal Herald , the independence of thc Great Priory of Canada is virtually declared . True , it is , that such an announcement is cautiously ,
and we will believe courteously , veiled by the appointment of a special Committee , but the election of Col . MACLEOD MOORE , " ad vitam , " as Great Prior , is , we venture to think , a distinct interference with the prerogative
of H . R . H . the PRINCE OF WALES , the Grand Master of that Order Strictly speaking such matters are beyond the limits of the Freemason and perhaps , too , the least said the soonest mended . Under the circumstances is it needful to print the allocution ?
2 a MASONIC studies have made a great advance , since , about twenty years ago , a small band of Masonic Students ventured with almost "bated breath , " to suggest enquiry and propose discussion . It was then the fashion to swear
by OLIVER , and whatever exceeded his definitions or declarations was looked upon with suspicion , and treated as heterodox . OLIVER no doubt had his merits , and OLIVER deserved recognition for what he did do , so much so , that we can afford to be liberal and comp laisant as regards what he did not
Ar00102
do . OLIVER , a learned man himself , and full of recondite information , a scholar and a student , wrote unfortunately for an unlearned Masonic age , addressed his publications to those who had neither inclination nor leisure to collate his authorities , or verify his assertions . The consequence was , that having no careful censor or competent critic to deal with , he often " run
not , so to say , in the assertions he made and the passages he quoted . When to-day you seek to reduce his statements within the clear compression of historical accuracy , you are confronted with hopeless anachronisms , unreliable statements , and unveriliablc authorities . There are many passages in OLIVER , known to thc actual student to-day , which rest on no authority
but his own " ipse dixit , and which apparent ! } ' it is alike impossible and hopeless to attempt to find or to prove . OLIVER too , as has been often said , passed apparently through several phases of thought and idea . His earlier efforts seemed to have been turned to the mysteries , and the real and spurious Freemasonry . As time went on , he rather leant to
the Dionysiacs , and the Building Fraternities of travelling Masons . Being always , as he tells us himself , a "Johannite Mason , " and seeing in Freemasonry the incubations of a Christian Mj'sticism , his latest utterances seemed to point to an Hermetic and High Grade theory . Curiously enough , the lapse of time and the revolutions of criticism seem to be
bringing us close again to our old master after all , though not exactly in his lines or on his arguments . Our conclusions do not rest on his assumptions The general result of many years study , ( and we are still only on the threshold ) , seem to be this , —that the pcrpetutation of Freemasonry is not explicable on any one single line , whatever the propounders of this or that
favourite " fad " may say . It will probably appear that to several synchronous and concomitant causes the existence and preservation of Freemasonry in the world may be attributed ; such as the tradition of the Mysteries as through the Gilds and Compagnonage , and a connection with Roman Collegia and ancient speculative Sodalities , the early societies of Oriental
Mysticism , and the later assertions of Christian Hermeticism , as developed from time to time in Alchemical associations , Rosicrncian fraternities , and High Grade developemcnts . Even to-day we can write little that is positive or
declare little that is certain . Bro . GOULD has sought to reduce the history of Freemasonry to a scientific system ; and we must refer all our readers to that work who wish to learn what is possible and what is probable , and , above all , what are , and must be the inherent difficulties of Masonic
history . *** * * THE Review by Her Majesty the Q UEEN of her soldiers and sailors returned from Egypt was a vcry sublime spectacle in itself , and one which , we venture to think , must do much good at home and abroad . Amid the troublous state
of Ireland , amid the uneasy complications of the Continent , the expedition to Egypt to restore law and order , and suppress a cruel mutiny , was ably planned , and successfully carried out . Another proof was given , if proof were needed , that England , though slow to speak and cautious to strike , when once a question of right and duty and honour lies plain before her , is
fearless in asserting even against a world those sacred principles of peaceful civilization and international obligation , without which neither the rights of nations nor of men would long remain , except in name . For the skill which has fulfilled our anxious expectations at home ; for the bravery and devotion with which the proper orders were executed abroad ; for the endurance and
the heroism which have braved difficulties and sickness , and endured all the dangers and privations of real warfare , ( though against a most unworthy foe ) , Her MAJESTY , by her personal presence and avowed sympathy , expresses her approval and records her satisfaction . And that great people of ours , always loyal at heart , ever admiring chivalry , in whatever form it
takes , not only exultingly ] oins in this expression of approval and commendation by the highest authority in the land , but adds its own special meed of admiration , and pours forth its own loving words of greeting to those whom it welcomes safe home again . For them it has that true-hearted admiration and approval which all such deeds of " Derring-Do , " deep in their
attraction for our whole Anglo-Saxon race , ever command and call forth . But yet , still , some sadder thoughts supervene , and there are some echoes in a minor key , of hushed voices and sobbing mourners which we ought not , and dare not forget . Not all who went out with that gallant host have returned to their native shores . There are voids ( though the loss has been
comparatively small for the work done ) in many households—lonely widows , and orphaned children , and grieving friends . This brings out the two sides of such pageants which London , despite its dreadful fog , witnessed so rejoicingly and admiringly on Saturday last . There is the side of worldly " Los , as the old chroniclers have it , and martial glory , applauding multitudes , Royal rewards ; but there is also the side of many regrets , of gaps in
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Contents.
CONTENTS .
LEADERS
CORRESPONDENCEObselete Words % fi The Grand Priory of Canada 656 The Boys * Preparatory School 656 Provincial Preferment O 56 How * Statistics are Published 657
Donations to the Charities 65 ; French Alasonic Terminology 6 57 Neptune Lodge , No . 1264—llenevolcnt Fund . " . f > S 1 Reviews 658
Masonic Notes and Queries 65 S Banquet and Presentation to liro . the Farl of Utliom , R . W . n . G . M OjS REPORTS or MASONIC
MEETINGSCraft Masonry fijq Instruction 661 Mark Masonry 6 O 1 Ancient and Accepted Rite GO 2 Canada 063 France .. fihr *
The Theatres 66 3 Music 66 3 Science and Art 6 ( 13 Masonic and General Tidings , C 6 4 Lodge Meetings for Next Week ... 3 rd p . Cover .
Ar00101
THE very interesting proceedings which took place recently at Bath , at the Centenary meeting of the Royal Cumberland Chapter , deserve notice and remembrance . Before a vcry brilliant assembly of companions of the Order , Col . ADAIR , the Prov . Grand Superintendent , M . H . Comp . G . S . E . Col . SiJADwr * Lr . H . CLERKE , Comp . Col . SOMERVILLE- 'B URNEY , this
interesting commemoration took place . We note the fact that M . E . Comp . HOWES , Z ., is the first companion honoured with a Centenary medal , the gift of the chapter . Our readers will peruse the account with much pleasure , remembering the great services rendered to Craft and Koyal Arch Masonry by our venerable and excellent Comp ., Bro . Dr . HOVKINS .
* # IT is a pleasing sight , amid some dreadful facts and many sorrowful proceedings in Ireland , to turn to the happy anniversary ol the golden wedding of our very distinguished brother , the Grand Master Ireland , his Grace the Duke of ABERCORN . There are lew persons who have more claim to the
respect and regard of his brother Masons , and of the public at large , than that distinguished statesman and ruler of our Order , who has won for himself not only the great blessing of family affection and devotion , but the respect of all classes and the attachment of his Craft . Wc shall aU feel
deep interest and sympathy in the account of the family gathering at Barons Court , which appeared in our last issue , and shall wish our noble brother many years of health and strength , and peaceful and happy domestic life .
WE are appealed to , week after week , by enthusiastic friends of the " Moghrcb al Aksa , " Tangicrs , to allow counter statements and rectifications to appear of what the writers complain of as partial and prejudiced in our columns . Our answer last week must suffice once for all . Wc cannot go over old ground again and again ; we do not wish to re-open old sores ;
we have spoken frankly , if with no uncertain voice ; without partiality , and without prepossessions . It would seem as if the writers of these letters were still in ignorance at Gibraltar and Tangiers of the deliberate determination and action of the authorities of the Grand Lodge of Manitoba . We would
invite our good friends to read the official letter of the Grand Secretary of Manitoba , which appeared in an impression a week' or two ago , and they will see , we venture to think , the justice of our past remarks , and the Masonic loyalty of our present position in this most untoward controversy .
THE subject matter of the Great Priory of Canada , to which Bro . HOLMES ' S letter refers , appears to us * to be in a vcry considerable haze . If we understand the last official reports aright , whicii we print elsewhere , from the Montreal Herald , the independence of thc Great Priory of Canada is virtually declared . True , it is , that such an announcement is cautiously ,
and we will believe courteously , veiled by the appointment of a special Committee , but the election of Col . MACLEOD MOORE , " ad vitam , " as Great Prior , is , we venture to think , a distinct interference with the prerogative
of H . R . H . the PRINCE OF WALES , the Grand Master of that Order Strictly speaking such matters are beyond the limits of the Freemason and perhaps , too , the least said the soonest mended . Under the circumstances is it needful to print the allocution ?
2 a MASONIC studies have made a great advance , since , about twenty years ago , a small band of Masonic Students ventured with almost "bated breath , " to suggest enquiry and propose discussion . It was then the fashion to swear
by OLIVER , and whatever exceeded his definitions or declarations was looked upon with suspicion , and treated as heterodox . OLIVER no doubt had his merits , and OLIVER deserved recognition for what he did do , so much so , that we can afford to be liberal and comp laisant as regards what he did not
Ar00102
do . OLIVER , a learned man himself , and full of recondite information , a scholar and a student , wrote unfortunately for an unlearned Masonic age , addressed his publications to those who had neither inclination nor leisure to collate his authorities , or verify his assertions . The consequence was , that having no careful censor or competent critic to deal with , he often " run
not , so to say , in the assertions he made and the passages he quoted . When to-day you seek to reduce his statements within the clear compression of historical accuracy , you are confronted with hopeless anachronisms , unreliable statements , and unveriliablc authorities . There are many passages in OLIVER , known to thc actual student to-day , which rest on no authority
but his own " ipse dixit , and which apparent ! } ' it is alike impossible and hopeless to attempt to find or to prove . OLIVER too , as has been often said , passed apparently through several phases of thought and idea . His earlier efforts seemed to have been turned to the mysteries , and the real and spurious Freemasonry . As time went on , he rather leant to
the Dionysiacs , and the Building Fraternities of travelling Masons . Being always , as he tells us himself , a "Johannite Mason , " and seeing in Freemasonry the incubations of a Christian Mj'sticism , his latest utterances seemed to point to an Hermetic and High Grade theory . Curiously enough , the lapse of time and the revolutions of criticism seem to be
bringing us close again to our old master after all , though not exactly in his lines or on his arguments . Our conclusions do not rest on his assumptions The general result of many years study , ( and we are still only on the threshold ) , seem to be this , —that the pcrpetutation of Freemasonry is not explicable on any one single line , whatever the propounders of this or that
favourite " fad " may say . It will probably appear that to several synchronous and concomitant causes the existence and preservation of Freemasonry in the world may be attributed ; such as the tradition of the Mysteries as through the Gilds and Compagnonage , and a connection with Roman Collegia and ancient speculative Sodalities , the early societies of Oriental
Mysticism , and the later assertions of Christian Hermeticism , as developed from time to time in Alchemical associations , Rosicrncian fraternities , and High Grade developemcnts . Even to-day we can write little that is positive or
declare little that is certain . Bro . GOULD has sought to reduce the history of Freemasonry to a scientific system ; and we must refer all our readers to that work who wish to learn what is possible and what is probable , and , above all , what are , and must be the inherent difficulties of Masonic
history . *** * * THE Review by Her Majesty the Q UEEN of her soldiers and sailors returned from Egypt was a vcry sublime spectacle in itself , and one which , we venture to think , must do much good at home and abroad . Amid the troublous state
of Ireland , amid the uneasy complications of the Continent , the expedition to Egypt to restore law and order , and suppress a cruel mutiny , was ably planned , and successfully carried out . Another proof was given , if proof were needed , that England , though slow to speak and cautious to strike , when once a question of right and duty and honour lies plain before her , is
fearless in asserting even against a world those sacred principles of peaceful civilization and international obligation , without which neither the rights of nations nor of men would long remain , except in name . For the skill which has fulfilled our anxious expectations at home ; for the bravery and devotion with which the proper orders were executed abroad ; for the endurance and
the heroism which have braved difficulties and sickness , and endured all the dangers and privations of real warfare , ( though against a most unworthy foe ) , Her MAJESTY , by her personal presence and avowed sympathy , expresses her approval and records her satisfaction . And that great people of ours , always loyal at heart , ever admiring chivalry , in whatever form it
takes , not only exultingly ] oins in this expression of approval and commendation by the highest authority in the land , but adds its own special meed of admiration , and pours forth its own loving words of greeting to those whom it welcomes safe home again . For them it has that true-hearted admiration and approval which all such deeds of " Derring-Do , " deep in their
attraction for our whole Anglo-Saxon race , ever command and call forth . But yet , still , some sadder thoughts supervene , and there are some echoes in a minor key , of hushed voices and sobbing mourners which we ought not , and dare not forget . Not all who went out with that gallant host have returned to their native shores . There are voids ( though the loss has been
comparatively small for the work done ) in many households—lonely widows , and orphaned children , and grieving friends . This brings out the two sides of such pageants which London , despite its dreadful fog , witnessed so rejoicingly and admiringly on Saturday last . There is the side of worldly " Los , as the old chroniclers have it , and martial glory , applauding multitudes , Royal rewards ; but there is also the side of many regrets , of gaps in