The High Degrees.

THE SWEDISH EITE . The Swedish rite , which differs from the others , is practised only in Till a late period the French rite was more prevalent , but the Ancient and Accepted Eite has been so generally restored and extended

in the Old World ancl the New , that it has now obtained the preponderance , and as it is practised in France , the Mauritius , and Martinique , as well as the French rite , having a co-ordinate jurisdiction , it has the decided advantage .

Reviews Of New Books.

REVIEWS OF NEW BOOKS .

The OrUfni of Fcecmasoimj ; a History of the Time When , ihe Mace Where and the Persons with idiom Freemasonry originated , jVc , § -c . By LEO . *\ HYXEJIAX . Philadelphia : 810 , Chcsuut-streGt . THE origin of Masonry , it must surely be conceded , is a lit subject for contemplation by the philosopher , the philanthropist , and thefcitizen of the world . To trace the source whence sprang the most wonderful institution both in its action and its resultsis task ior

that the world has ever seen , , a the greatest intellect and the most profound scholar . To do justice to this theme the tire of genius should combine witli the most fervent religious feeling , the deepest research , and the most consummate discrimination . Next to the vital truths of the relig ion which a Mason professes—perhaps even in the . same rank—must he place the sacred tenets of fnc royal artthat which he has freeltaken himselfand which demands

calling y upon , the exercise of his utmost energies and his highest endeavours in the cause of every manly and social virtue . And holding this opinion , which we firmly believe is shared liv every In-other worthy of the name , wc cannot but express our regret whcnVe find the mysteries of the Craft lgnorantly or iniudiciouslv treated . It is with regret that we arc obliged to express our

opinion of tins somewhat bulky treatise in terms the reverse of favourable . Many crudities from time to time have been given to the world upon the subject of our noble Order—some based upon theories more or less ingenious—others verging upon absurdity ; in these sometimes a gleam of fancy or some strange philosophical view may occur to redeem the author from the charge of utter inanity . But what shall wc say of a work upon tins ¦ u-eat subject" whicli displays neither learning , philosophy , nor

researchwhich is not useful , and certainly not amusing ? Wc can but regret that the worthy brother wiio has bestowed so much labour ou its compilation , has not employed his time and trouble in some more valuable pursuit ; and wc write this with a full appreciation of the author ' s high standing m the Craft in America , and with a knowledge of the hig h consideration which his Masonic character receivefrom our transatlantic brethren .

Ireeinas soury requires no fictitious theories to enhance its value m the eyes of its followers ; the traditions of our Order , taken partly as literal truths and partly as allegorical illustrations of the principles and practices ot the Craft , have been received from generation to generation ol worthy Masons