Reviews Of New Books.

length by Bro . Hopkins . We find here , also , allusions which we think bad been better left unpublished—that however , is more for Brethren of the Mark to determine .. Bro . Hopkins is enthusiastic in his commendations of the very beautiful and impressive ceremonies of this part of Preemasonry , and adopts it as an authentic degree . He observes : —

" As Mark Brethren , it is especially our duty to make our conduct such as shall r-. tand the test of the Grand Overseer ' s scpiare , and fit ns for the place to which Ave are destined in the huilding . Thus far as regards ourselves ; ivith respect also to other's , let us learn by this degree not to judge hy appearances ; let us remember onr oivn ignorance , and he move ready to approve than to condemn . As tho stone which the builders rejected became the head of the corner , so the man ive despise to-day may control our destinies to-morrow . Of this truth we may derive innuthe of fortune in

merable examples from oiu- every day experience of reverses those around ns , and though ive heed them not , but pass them carelessly _ by as ordinary occurrences , or , in some eases , as mysterious dispensations of Providence , which wc cannot fathom , the true Mason will be led to meditate on these things , because he is taught to moralize , to apply the tests , to bring to bear upon them that light which his science so amply diffuses and sheds abroad iu his heart . ' ' In pressing the Mark degree on your attention , as I have done , 1 desire to be and wisdom of

understood as anxious not to reflect in any way upon the judgment the Grand Lodge of England , to whose decision of rejection wo arc all bound most reverentially and obediently to submit . Doubtless its sanction is withheld from this important liuk in our system on apparently satisfactory grounds . This is simply a matter of regret , hut such a course on the part of our governing body , though entitled to respect , does not imply censure on those who , differing in inionchoose to seek that knowledivhich he gained bits means .

op , ge may y " It is but fair to intimate that , in the minds of some Masons , there is considerable doubt as to the authenticity of this degree . Sot having sufficiently examined this subject , I do not feel competent to offer a decided opinion , but my impression is iiot favourable to this view . Certainly it is a point which should be fully established , ere any sanction is given to it by those iu authority in the Craft , but its unequivocal adoption in other countries , to which allusion has " already been made , is to a certain extent evidence ivhich should not bo lightly rejected , especially as it

intervenes between recognized degrees . A subject of discussion , which has been lately brought forward in our pages and elsewhere , is " the universality of Freemasonry " as opposed to _ the vieivs of those who Avould resolve thc Order into thc category of Christian institutions . 'The lectures before ns have a strong feeling on the side of universalism . We are not at liberty in this place to discuss the Sit and

question which has been so ably treated in the Magazine by " Lux" the " Univcrsalist ; " wc will merely say that Dr . Hopkins ' s opinions on the subject are clearly enunciated and will assist in no little degree the arguments of the universalists—Avhose view of the case wc may add , _ are p-enerall y adopted in this country , ivhatcvcr sentiments may prevail in Scotland or h / France . Wc have already extended our remarks someivhat beyond the length warranted by our limited space , wc must therefore but in thus

briefly notice the remaining contents of these lectures ; summarily dismissing them , wc beg our readers to understand that we do not the less appreciate thc value of the rest of the work ; indeed to any Brother who takes an active part in the work of the Lodge , the Avhole of this little book may prove both useful and interesting . 'The second and third lectures are devoted to thc consideration of the social duties and influences of the institution , and these are very elaborately dissected . Thc sympathies and duties which we owe to our Brethren both within and ivithout the Lodge are dwelt upon ; next , are instructed in onr political duties as Masons ; we are then reminded of our domestic duties , and are finally admonished to