Masonic Notes And Queries.

The revival' of the Bed Cross degree , of Rosicrucianism , of the Order of the Garter , and of Prince Masonry , I hold to be less an immediate and autochthonous emanation from Masonry than a conformity of Masonry to the spirit of the age . The striking feature of the age is the spirit of revival of antique

ceremonies . In the last century this was exhibited also in various ways , having its exemplification in Masonry in Count Cagliostro and Egyptian Masonry . In the present clay there was first a material manifestation in the shape of mediaeval architecture , and this has resulted in a more spiritual development of

rituals , harvest processions , vestments , priests , auricular confessions , crucifixes , crosses , beads , acolytes , penances , and many other forms and impersonations . This is the influence of the age , affecting not only men but women , whose influence is made more

conspicuous ; now drawing the attention of the world to the larger but deceptive proportions of hoops , cages , and crinoline , then shrinking in form to contracted skirts , but with a marked feature in the chignon , or post cerebral expansion . These outward phenomena denote the mental struggle of conscience in matters of morals and reliion they but dimlforeshadow the

g ; y demand for women ' s ri ghts of property for the electoral franchise , for free scope in the pul pit , the dissecting-room , and the hospital , and for emancipation of secular and spiritual wifehood . Such being the spirit of the age , Masonry would lose the character of a progressive science if it were

not found to conform to the social fermentations without and to make such provision as will satisfy the longings of tender ' consciences aud the legitimate demands of public excitement . This has been done in a natural manner by the revivals already referred to . A curious commentator might dwell on the

relations which stars and crosses and aprons have to other manifestations of the day - hut this can scarcely be considered strictl y philosophical , as we ought to regard them strictly iu their psychical relations as manifestations of mind operating on matter . Here we find a cougruity and agreement with thc

inspirations of the day , an enlarged self-esteem and selfassertion , a patriotic desire for advancement and promotion , an abstraction from the objectivity of anybody else ' s feelings or interests , accompanied by the external manifestation of importance conforming to the gigantic progress of the age .

Why then are the founders of these societies to be treated abnormally , and the more particularly by members of the A . & A . Bite ? These latter are emjiloyed in practically reducing and abolishing their degrees , their titles and their ceremonies , getting rid of vague ancl unsupported pretensions , modifying

baseless traditions , and resigning the charters of Frederick the Great to the limbo of the shadows . In so far they may consider themselves to be conforming to their spirit of the age , and they need not indulge in envy of those who comply with its real requirements . If it were not for the Red Cross of

Constantino Masonry might become the prey of religious feuds , and a ritualistic Masonry he set up against us , ancl divide our camp . "Were it not for the Rosicrucian Society , the speculative doctrines of Colenso , pangenesis , development , and selection might spread their agitations within the domain of Masonry .

Masonic Notes And Queries.

Against all such dangers the new societies may be looked upon as antiseptics ; they keep up faith , they restore old traditions , and like tobacco , an institution of the age , they are a sedative to thought . As such they merit encouragement . —HOBATIO .

THE BUZWINGS . "Will some Mason who is a Buzwing ( if there be any such ) enlighten us as to that body . The following appeared in the Times on Monday , the 2 nd inst . : — "To STEAX BUZWINGS . —Lodge No . 69344 mil

, be holden at the Buzwing-hall on Tuesday , 10 th November instant , at 6 p . m . A tiotillation of postulants will occur at 8 —I . G . B . T . C . W . S . Masters to bring their instruments .

This rather differs from the previous announcements , and it is not impossible it is one of the many attempts to excite public curiosity by sensational advertisements of the type of hoaxes , like those of the Bottle Conjuror and Theodore Hook . Neither the letters in the Freemasons' Magazine or Notes and Queries have as yet elicited any information on Buzwings . — ? ?

CAN A P . M . BE A SIMPLETON ? An American Freemason appears to think that the dupes of Bro . Harris and his rivals in chivalrous Masonry are obtained among the younger member * , of the fraternity , but this is quite a mistake , as the majority are of mature age . Sir Robert " Walpole must have been rather loose in his dictum . He

considered , like our American brother , that a young man . was to he tempted with a ribbon or garter , and an old man with money ; but the desire of bearing sham titles and decorations appears to grow with age in some individuals . — -OESEEVEE .

Correspondence.

CORRESPONDENCE .

The - Editor is not responsible for the opinions expressed by Correspondents . THE PRINCE OF "WALES AND FREEMASONRY . TO THE EDirOtt OF THE FREEMASONs' mAGAZINE AUD MASONIC MIHROE ,

Dear Sir and Brother , —I have read the letters of P . M . on this subject , also Bro . Slack ' s letters from a letter which appeared in the Glasgow Daily Mail newspaper a few days after Bro . Slack ' s correspondence was published in it . It would seem the Lodge Glasgow St . John had nothing to do with it .

The words are , — " I take some interest in Masonry , and doing so I confess I was very sorry at seeing these letters published . I would not interfere with Mr . Slack as Mr . Slack writing to the Grand Turk if he chooses ; but , seeing he is Secretary of the Lodge , he should not under these circumstances have done as

he has done . At no meeting , either of the Lodge of Glasgow St . John or of its office bearers , was Mr-Slack or any one authorized to communicate with the Prince . " Judging from the correspondence in the Glasgow papers , I should say—the works of nature are wonderful , the works of man are far wonclerfuller .